Composer

:

Othmar Schoeck

Genre

:

Vocal

Compose Date

:

1926

Publication Date

:

1928

First Performance

:

March 2, 1927

Average_duration

:

42:23

Lebendig begraben cycle (14), Op. 40 is a song cycle composed by Othmar Schoeck. The cycle was composed in 1923 and premiered in Zurich, Switzerland in the same year. The cycle consists of 14 songs, each of which is based on a poem by Gottfried Keller. The cycle is characterized by its dark and brooding tone, which reflects the themes of death and isolation that are present in Keller's poetry. The songs are set for voice and piano, and Schoeck's use of chromatic harmonies and dissonant chords creates a sense of unease and tension throughout the cycle. The first song in the cycle, "Der Einsiedler," sets the tone for the rest of the cycle with its haunting melody and sparse piano accompaniment. The second song, "Die Nachtigall," is a more upbeat and lively piece, but still maintains a sense of melancholy. The third song, "Der Dichter," is a dramatic and intense piece that features a soaring vocal line and complex piano accompaniment. The fourth song, "Die Sängerin," is a more subdued piece that features a delicate vocal line and gentle piano accompaniment. The fifth song, "Der Tod," is a dark and brooding piece that features a slow and mournful vocal line and sparse piano accompaniment. The sixth song, "Die Gräberinsel," is a more atmospheric piece that features a haunting vocal line and eerie piano accompaniment. The seventh song, "Der Verlassene," is a dramatic and intense piece that features a soaring vocal line and complex piano accompaniment. The eighth song, "Die Geisterinsel," is a more subdued piece that features a delicate vocal line and gentle piano accompaniment. The ninth song, "Der Gefangene," is a dark and brooding piece that features a slow and mournful vocal line and sparse piano accompaniment. The tenth song, "Die Verlassene," is a more atmospheric piece that features a haunting vocal line and eerie piano accompaniment. The eleventh song, "Der Verzweifelte," is a dramatic and intense piece that features a soaring vocal line and complex piano accompaniment. The twelfth song, "Die Verbannten," is a more subdued piece that features a delicate vocal line and gentle piano accompaniment. The thirteenth song, "Der Sterbende," is a dark and brooding piece that features a slow and mournful vocal line and sparse piano accompaniment. The final song in the cycle, "Das Grab," is a more atmospheric piece that features a haunting vocal line and eerie piano accompaniment. Overall, Lebendig begraben cycle (14), Op. 40 is a powerful and haunting work that showcases Schoeck's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the emotional depth and complexity of Keller's poetry.

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