Composer

:

Franz Schreker

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

2:59

"Darkness falls heavy as lead" is a composition by Franz Schreker, a prominent Austrian composer of the early 20th century. The piece was composed in 1912 and premiered in Vienna the same year. It is a one-movement work for large orchestra, and is considered one of Schreker's most important early works. The piece begins with a slow, ominous introduction, featuring low brass and strings. The mood is dark and foreboding, with a sense of impending doom. As the piece progresses, the texture becomes more complex, with intricate interplay between the various sections of the orchestra. The tempo gradually increases, and the music becomes more frenzied and intense. Despite its relatively short length (around 10 minutes), "Darkness falls heavy as lead" is a highly complex and sophisticated work. Schreker's use of orchestration is particularly noteworthy, with a wide range of colors and textures employed throughout the piece. The composer also makes use of unconventional harmonies and chord progressions, adding to the work's sense of unease and tension. Overall, "Darkness falls heavy as lead" is a powerful and evocative work, showcasing Schreker's unique musical voice and his mastery of orchestration. It remains a popular and frequently performed piece in the modern repertoire.

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