Composer

:

Anton Webern

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1915 - 1917

Average_duration

:

5:39

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Anton Webern's 'Songs (4) for voice & piano, Op. 12' is a collection of four songs composed in 1913. The premiere of the work took place on March 6, 1914, in Vienna. The four movements of the work are titled 'Wehmut' (Melancholy), 'Mäßig' (Moderate), 'Sehr langsam' (Very slow), and 'Fließend' (Flowing). The songs are characterized by Webern's use of atonality and his exploration of new harmonic and melodic possibilities. The vocal line is often disjunct and fragmented, with the piano providing a sparse and angular accompaniment. The songs are also notable for their brevity, with each movement lasting only a few minutes. In 'Wehmut', the first movement, the vocal line is characterized by wide leaps and angular intervals, while the piano provides a sparse and dissonant accompaniment. The second movement, 'Mäßig', is more lyrical, with a flowing vocal line and a more harmonically stable accompaniment. The third movement, 'Sehr langsam', is the most introspective of the four, with a slow and mournful vocal line set against a sparse and dissonant piano accompaniment. The final movement, 'Fließend', is the most energetic of the four, with a driving piano accompaniment and a vocal line that alternates between angular leaps and more lyrical phrases. Overall, Webern's 'Songs (4) for voice & piano, Op. 12' is a groundbreaking work that showcases the composer's innovative approach to harmony, melody, and form. The songs are challenging for both the singer and the pianist, requiring a high level of technical skill and a willingness to explore new musical territory. Despite their brevity, the songs are deeply expressive and emotionally powerful, making them a significant contribution to the repertoire of 20th-century art song.

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