Composer

:

Franz Schreker

Genre

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

4:36

Franz Schreker's 'Gesang der Armen im Winter' is a composition for mixed choir and orchestra. It was composed in 1911 and premiered on January 28, 1912, in Vienna. The piece consists of three movements and has a total duration of approximately 20 minutes. The first movement, 'Der Winter', is a somber and melancholic depiction of the harsh winter season. The choir sings about the bitter cold and the struggles of the poor during this time. The orchestra provides a bleak and desolate backdrop, with dissonant harmonies and sparse instrumentation. The second movement, 'Die Stadt', is a contrast to the first. It is a bustling and chaotic depiction of the city, with the choir singing about the noise and commotion of urban life. The orchestra is more active in this movement, with lively rhythms and colorful instrumentation. The final movement, 'Die Armen', returns to the theme of poverty and hardship. The choir sings about the struggles of the poor and their longing for a better life. The orchestra provides a mournful accompaniment, with long, sustained chords and a sense of resignation. Overall, 'Gesang der Armen im Winter' is a powerful and emotional work that reflects Schreker's interest in social justice and his concern for the plight of the poor. The piece is characterized by its use of dissonance and unconventional harmonies, as well as its expressive use of the choir and orchestra.

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