Composer

:

Carl Loewe

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1856

Average_duration

:

6:48

Carl Loewe's 'Ballads (3), Op. 125/2, Der alte Schiffsherr' is a set of three ballads composed for voice and piano. The set was composed in 1842 and premiered in the same year. The second ballad in the set, 'Der alte Schiffsherr' (The Old Ship's Captain), is a haunting and melancholic piece that tells the story of an old sailor who has spent his life at sea. The ballad is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is slow and mournful, with a simple piano accompaniment that sets the mood for the piece. The second movement is more lively, with a faster tempo and a more complex piano accompaniment that reflects the sailor's memories of his youth and his adventures at sea. The final movement returns to the slow and mournful character of the first, as the sailor reflects on his life and his impending death. The ballad is characterized by its use of vivid imagery and its evocative musical language. Loewe's use of chromaticism and dissonance creates a sense of unease and tension that reflects the sailor's inner turmoil. The vocal line is also highly expressive, with long, sweeping phrases that convey the sailor's sense of longing and regret. Overall, 'Der alte Schiffsherr' is a powerful and moving work that showcases Loewe's skill as a composer of ballads. Its haunting melodies and evocative imagery make it a timeless piece that continues to resonate with audiences today.

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