Composer

:

Wilhelm Stenhammar

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

'Songs (5) of Bo Bergman, Op. 20' is a song cycle composed by Swedish composer Wilhelm Stenhammar. The cycle was composed in 1908 and premiered the same year in Stockholm. The cycle consists of five movements, each of which is a setting of a poem by Swedish poet Bo Bergman. The first movement, 'Sommarnatten' (Summer Night), is a serene and peaceful setting of a poem about the beauty of a summer night. The second movement, 'Sången' (The Song), is a lively and energetic setting of a poem about the power of music to uplift the soul. The third movement, 'Vid havet' (By the Sea), is a haunting and melancholic setting of a poem about the sea and its power to evoke feelings of longing and sadness. The fourth movement, 'Vid en ung konstnärs bår' (At the Bier of a Young Artist), is a somber and mournful setting of a poem about the death of a young artist. The final movement, 'Vid en gammal väns grav' (At the Grave of an Old Friend), is a reflective and nostalgic setting of a poem about the passing of time and the memories of a dear friend. Stenhammar's settings of Bergman's poems are characterized by their lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and sensitive treatment of the text. The composer's use of chromaticism and modulations adds depth and complexity to the music, while his use of dynamic contrasts and expressive phrasing brings out the emotional content of the poems. Overall, 'Songs (5) of Bo Bergman, Op. 20' is a beautiful and poignant song cycle that showcases Stenhammar's skill as a composer and his sensitivity to the nuances of poetry.

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