Composer

:

Hugo Wolf

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

Jan 24, 1889

Average_duration

:

1:38

Hugo Wolf's 'Als ich auf dem Euphrat schiffte' is a song cycle composed in 1888, based on a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The premiere of the song cycle was in Vienna in 1891, and it consists of six movements. The first movement, 'Als ich auf dem Euphrat schiffte,' is a lively and energetic piece that sets the tone for the rest of the cycle. The second movement, 'Ach, im Maien war's,' is a more subdued and melancholic piece that reflects on lost love. The third movement, 'In dem Schatten meiner Locken,' is a passionate and intense piece that explores the themes of desire and longing. The fourth movement, 'Nimmersatte Liebe,' is a playful and ironic piece that satirizes the idea of love as an insatiable hunger. The fifth movement, 'Ein Ständchen Euch zu bringen kam ich hierher,' is a romantic and tender piece that expresses the desire to serenade a loved one. The final movement, 'So hab ich doch die ganze Nacht,' is a haunting and introspective piece that reflects on the transience of life. The characteristics of the song cycle are typical of Wolf's style, which is characterized by a deep emotional intensity and a keen sensitivity to the text. Wolf's music is highly expressive, with a rich harmonic language and a complex interplay between voice and piano. The songs are also notable for their use of chromaticism and dissonance, which create a sense of tension and unease. Overall, 'Als ich auf dem Euphrat schiffte' is a powerful and evocative song cycle that showcases Wolf's mastery of the art song form. Its combination of lyrical beauty and emotional depth make it a timeless masterpiece of the genre.

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