Composer

:

Hugo Wolf

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

Nov 28, 1888

Average_duration

:

5:06

Hugo Wolf's 'Gutmann und Gutweib (Goethe Lieder)' is a song cycle composed in 1888. The premiere of the cycle took place in Vienna in 1891. The cycle consists of six songs, each of which is based on a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The first song, 'Gutmanns Gesang', is a lively and playful song that tells the story of a man named Gutmann who is in love with a woman named Gutweib. The second song, 'Gutweibes Neid', is a more somber and introspective piece that explores the jealousy and envy that Gutweib feels towards her lover. The third song, 'Gutmann und Gutweib', is a duet that features both characters singing together. The song is a tender and romantic piece that expresses the deep love that Gutmann and Gutweib share for each other. The fourth song, 'Gutmanns Tritt', is a lively and energetic piece that describes Gutmann's confident and determined stride as he goes about his day. The fifth song, 'Gutweibes Arie', is a melancholy and introspective piece that explores Gutweib's feelings of loneliness and isolation. The final song, 'Gutmanns Reim', is a playful and humorous piece that features Gutmann reciting a poem that he has written for Gutweib. The song ends on a joyful and celebratory note, with Gutmann and Gutweib expressing their love for each other. Overall, 'Gutmann und Gutweib (Goethe Lieder)' is a beautiful and expressive song cycle that showcases Hugo Wolf's skill as a composer. The cycle is characterized by its rich harmonies, expressive melodies, and vivid musical imagery, which bring Goethe's poetry to life in a powerful and moving way.

More....