Composer

:

Gustav Mahler

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1887 - 1890

Publication Date

:

1892

First Performance

:

Nov 1906

Average_duration

:

4:13

"Zu Strassburg auf der Schanz" is a song composed by Gustav Mahler in 1896. It was premiered in Vienna on January 20, 1897, with the composer himself conducting. The song is part of Mahler's collection of songs titled "Des Knaben Wunderhorn" (The Youth's Magic Horn), which is based on a collection of German folk poems. The song is divided into three movements, with the first and third movements being instrumental and the second movement featuring a solo voice. The first movement is marked "Marschmäßig" (in the style of a march) and features a lively and energetic melody played by the orchestra. The second movement is a solo voice accompanied by the orchestra, and is marked "Sehr gemächlich" (very leisurely). The third movement is marked "Ländlerisch" (in the style of a Ländler, a traditional Austrian dance) and features a playful and upbeat melody played by the orchestra. The song's lyrics tell the story of a soldier who is stationed in Strasbourg and falls in love with a local girl. The soldier longs to be with the girl, but is unable to leave his post. The lyrics are filled with longing and melancholy, and Mahler's music perfectly captures the emotions of the soldier. One of the characteristics of Mahler's music is his use of orchestration to create a wide range of emotions and moods. In "Zu Strassburg auf der Schanz," Mahler uses the orchestra to create a sense of longing and melancholy in the first and third movements, and a sense of tenderness and love in the second movement. Overall, "Zu Strassburg auf der Schanz" is a beautiful and moving song that showcases Mahler's skill as a composer. Its combination of folk poetry and orchestration creates a unique and powerful musical experience that is both emotional and uplifting.

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