Composer

:

Hugo Wolf

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1878

Average_duration

:

1:04

Hugo Wolf's 'Scherz und Spiel' is a song cycle composed in 1888. It premiered in Vienna on January 27, 1889, with the composer himself at the piano. The cycle consists of six songs, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first song, 'Auch kleine Dinge', is a playful and lighthearted piece that celebrates the simple pleasures of life. The second song, 'Ein Ständchen Euch zu bringen', is a serenade that expresses the joy and passion of love. The third song, 'Mir ward gesagt', is a melancholic piece that reflects on the fleeting nature of happiness and the inevitability of death. The fourth song, 'Nun lass uns Frieden schließen', is a humorous and satirical piece that pokes fun at the conventions of courtship and marriage. The fifth song, 'Verborgenheit', is a contemplative and introspective piece that explores the beauty and mystery of nature. The final song, 'In dem Schatten meiner Locken', is a passionate and sensual piece that celebrates the joys of physical love. Overall, 'Scherz und Spiel' is characterized by its variety of moods and emotions, as well as its masterful use of musical form and structure. Wolf's use of melody, harmony, and rhythm is both sophisticated and accessible, making the cycle a favorite among singers and audiences alike.

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