Composer

:

Max Bruch

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1863

Publication Date

:

1963

Movement_count

:

12

Movement ....

Max Bruch's Scottish Folksongs (12) is a collection of twelve songs for voice and piano, composed in 1891. The work was premiered in Berlin in the same year, with the composer accompanying the singer. The songs are based on traditional Scottish melodies, which Bruch arranged and harmonized in his own style. The twelve songs are divided into three groups of four, each with its own distinct character. The first group is marked by its lively and energetic rhythms, with songs such as "The Bonnie Earl o' Moray" and "The Deil's Awa' wi' the Exciseman". The second group is more introspective and melancholic, with songs such as "Auld Lang Syne" and "The Flowers of the Forest". The final group is marked by its grandeur and majesty, with songs such as "Scots Wha Hae" and "The Battle of Harlaw". Bruch's arrangements of the traditional melodies are characterized by his use of rich harmonies and expressive melodies. He often employs chromaticism and unexpected modulations to create a sense of tension and drama. The piano accompaniments are also highly virtuosic, with intricate figurations and dramatic flourishes. Overall, Scottish Folksongs (12) is a masterful collection of songs that showcases Bruch's skill as a composer and arranger. The work remains popular today, and is frequently performed in recitals and concerts.

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