Composer

:

Gustav Mahler

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

Jan 28, 1892

Publication Date

:

1899

First Performance

:

Dec 12, 1892

Average_duration

:

5:58

"Der Schildwache Nachtlied" is a song composed by Gustav Mahler in 1892. It was premiered in 1893 in Hamburg, Germany. The song is part of Mahler's collection of songs called "Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen" (Songs of a Wayfarer), which he composed between 1884 and 1885. "Der Schildwache Nachtlied" is the fourth and final song in the collection. The song is written in B-flat major and is scored for voice and piano. The lyrics were written by Mahler himself and tell the story of a watchman who is guarding a castle at night. The watchman sings a lullaby to himself to pass the time and keep himself awake. The song is divided into two main sections. The first section is slow and contemplative, with the watchman singing softly to himself. The second section is faster and more energetic, with the watchman singing more loudly and energetically to keep himself awake. The song is characterized by Mahler's use of chromaticism and dissonance. The harmonies are often complex and unexpected, with sudden shifts in tonality and unexpected chord progressions. The vocal line is also highly expressive, with the singer using a wide range of dynamics and vocal techniques to convey the emotions of the watchman. Overall, "Der Schildwache Nachtlied" is a powerful and evocative song that showcases Mahler's skill as a composer and his ability to create complex and emotionally charged music.

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