Composer

:

Kurt Weill

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

First Performance

:

Nov 23, 1927

Average_duration

:

7:46

"Vom Tod im Wald, Op. 23" is a song cycle composed by Kurt Weill in 1927. The premiere of the work took place on October 23, 1927, in Berlin, Germany. The cycle consists of six movements, each of which is based on a poem by the German poet, Ernst Wilhelm Lotz. The first movement, "Der Wald," sets the scene for the cycle, describing the forest as a place of mystery and danger. The music is dark and brooding, with dissonant harmonies and a sense of foreboding. The second movement, "Die Flucht," tells the story of a man who is fleeing from the law. The music is fast-paced and frantic, with jagged rhythms and a sense of urgency. The third movement, "Die Sperlinge," is a lighthearted interlude, describing a group of sparrows playing in the forest. The music is playful and whimsical, with a light, dance-like rhythm. The fourth movement, "Der Bauer," tells the story of a farmer who is murdered in the forest. The music is somber and mournful, with a sense of tragedy and loss. The fifth movement, "Die Liebe," is a love song, describing the beauty of nature and the joy of being in love. The music is lyrical and romantic, with a sense of tenderness and intimacy. The final movement, "Das Lied vom Branntweinhändler," is a satirical song about a liquor dealer who is trying to sell his wares in the forest. The music is upbeat and lively, with a sense of humor and irony. Overall, "Vom Tod im Wald, Op. 23" is a powerful and evocative work, showcasing Weill's mastery of a wide range of musical styles and moods. The cycle is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and music to capture the essence of the human experience.

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