Composer

:

Gustav Mahler

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

Jul 1898

Publication Date

:

1899

First Performance

:

Jan 14, 1900

Average_duration

:

6:49

"Wo die schönen Trompeten blasen" is a song composed by Gustav Mahler in 1899. It was premiered in Vienna on January 20, 1901, with the composer conducting. The song is part of Mahler's collection of songs called "Des Knaben Wunderhorn," which is based on a collection of German folk poems. The song is in D minor and has a slow and mournful tempo. It is divided into three distinct sections, each with its own character and mood. The first section is marked "Sehr langsam und gedehnt" (very slow and drawn out) and features a solo trumpet playing a haunting melody. The second section is marked "Etwas bewegter" (somewhat more animated) and features the singer's entrance. The third section is marked "Sehr langsam und gedehnt" (very slow and drawn out) and features a return of the trumpet melody. The song's lyrics tell the story of a soldier who falls in love with a beautiful woman. They spend a night together, but in the morning, the soldier must leave to go to war. The woman promises to wait for him, but he never returns. The soldier's ghost returns to the spot where they spent the night, and the trumpet plays a mournful melody to commemorate their love. The song's characteristics include Mahler's use of orchestration to create a haunting and melancholic atmosphere. The solo trumpet is used to represent the soldier's voice, and the singer's entrance adds a human element to the story. Mahler's use of dynamics and tempo changes also adds to the emotional impact of the song. Overall, "Wo die schönen Trompeten blasen" is a powerful and moving song that showcases Mahler's skill as a composer. Its haunting melody and emotional lyrics make it a favorite among Mahler's works.

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