Composer

:

Pauline Viardot

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

2:59

Die Beschwörung is a vocal work composed by Pauline Viardot, a French composer, singer, and pianist. The piece was composed in 1863 and premiered in the same year in Paris. It is a song cycle consisting of six movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, "Invocation," is a slow and solemn piece that sets the tone for the rest of the cycle. It features a simple piano accompaniment and a haunting melody sung by the soprano soloist. The lyrics are in German and describe the summoning of spirits. The second movement, "Die Geisterstimme," is a lively and playful piece that contrasts with the first movement. It features a more complex piano accompaniment and a faster tempo. The lyrics are also in German and describe the voice of a spirit that is heard in the night. The third movement, "Die Totenbraut," is a somber and mournful piece that features a slow and melancholic melody. The lyrics are in German and describe the story of a dead bride who returns to haunt her former lover. The fourth movement, "Die Hexe," is a dramatic and intense piece that features a fast and driving tempo. The lyrics are in German and describe the power of a witch who can control the elements. The fifth movement, "Die Gespenster," is a spooky and atmospheric piece that features a slow and eerie melody. The lyrics are in German and describe the ghosts that haunt a castle. The final movement, "Die Beschwörung," is a triumphant and powerful piece that brings the cycle to a close. It features a fast and energetic tempo and a soaring melody sung by the soprano soloist. The lyrics are in German and describe the successful summoning of the spirits. Overall, Die Beschwörung is a haunting and atmospheric work that showcases Viardot's skill as a composer and her ability to create a sense of drama and tension through music. The piece is notable for its use of German lyrics, which were unusual for a French composer at the time, and for its exploration of supernatural themes.

More....