Composer

:

Othmar Schoeck

Genre

:

Vocal

Compose Date

:

October, 1954-June, 1955

Publication Date

:

1956

First Performance

:

December 6, 1955

Average_duration

:

30:28

Nachhall cycle (12), Op. 70 is a composition by Swiss composer Othmar Schoeck. The cycle was composed in 1948 and premiered in Zurich on January 23, 1949. The work consists of twelve movements, each of which is a setting of a poem by various poets, including Rainer Maria Rilke, Hermann Hesse, and Gottfried Keller. The Nachhall cycle is characterized by its introspective and melancholic tone, which is reflected in both the music and the poetry. The cycle is scored for voice and piano, and Schoeck's use of the piano is particularly noteworthy. The piano part is often sparse and understated, serving as a subtle accompaniment to the voice. However, there are also moments of virtuosity in the piano part, particularly in the more dramatic movements. The first movement, "Der Einsame" (The Lonely One), sets a poem by Rilke and establishes the introspective tone of the cycle. The second movement, "Der Dichter" (The Poet), sets a poem by Hesse and features a more dramatic piano part. The third movement, "Die Nacht" (The Night), sets a poem by Keller and is characterized by its haunting melody and sparse piano accompaniment. Other notable movements include "Der Tod" (Death), which sets a poem by Eduard Mörike and features a mournful melody and a dramatic piano part, and "Der Wanderer" (The Wanderer), which sets a poem by Joseph von Eichendorff and features a more upbeat and optimistic melody. Overall, the Nachhall cycle is a deeply introspective and melancholic work that showcases Schoeck's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the emotional essence of the poetry he sets to music.

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