Composer

:

Hanns Eisler

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1941

Average_duration

:

0:50

Hanns Eisler's "Woodbury-Liederbüchlein, No. 8, Four and twenty tailors" is a song cycle composed in 1942. The premiere of the work took place in 1943 in New York City. The cycle consists of four movements, each of which is characterized by Eisler's unique style of composition. The first movement, "Four and twenty tailors," is a lively and playful song that features a catchy melody and a rhythmic accompaniment. The lyrics describe the work of tailors and their importance in society. The second movement, "The tailor's wife," is a slower and more melancholic song that tells the story of a tailor's wife who is left alone while her husband works long hours. The music is characterized by its use of dissonance and chromaticism, which create a sense of tension and unease. The third movement, "The tailor's apprentice," is a lively and upbeat song that describes the life of a young apprentice learning the trade of tailoring. The music is characterized by its use of syncopation and irregular rhythms, which create a sense of energy and excitement. The final movement, "The tailor's journeyman," is a slower and more contemplative song that tells the story of a journeyman tailor who has completed his apprenticeship and is now traveling the world to learn new techniques and styles. The music is characterized by its use of modal harmonies and a simple, yet poignant melody. Overall, "Woodbury-Liederbüchlein, No. 8, Four and twenty tailors" is a charming and engaging song cycle that showcases Eisler's unique style of composition. The work is characterized by its use of catchy melodies, rhythmic accompaniments, and a wide range of harmonic and melodic techniques. It is a testament to Eisler's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

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