Composer

:

Hugo Wolf

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

Oct 4, 1888

Average_duration

:

2:33

Hugo Wolf's 'An den Schlaf (Mörike Lieder)' is a song cycle composed in 1888. The premiere of the song cycle took place in Vienna in 1891. The song cycle consists of six movements, each of which is based on a poem by Eduard Mörike. The first movement, 'An den Schlaf,' is a lullaby that begins with a gentle, rocking melody in the piano. The vocal line is soft and soothing, with a sense of tenderness and care. The second movement, 'Auf ein altes Bild,' is a nostalgic reflection on a painting of a loved one. The music is wistful and melancholic, with a sense of longing and regret. The third movement, 'Nimmersatte Liebe,' is a passionate love song that expresses the intensity of desire and the pain of unrequited love. The music is dramatic and intense, with a sense of urgency and desperation. The fourth movement, 'Verborgenheit,' is a contemplative meditation on the beauty of nature and the peace that can be found in solitude. The music is serene and tranquil, with a sense of calm and stillness. The fifth movement, 'Er ist's,' is a joyful celebration of spring and the renewal of life. The music is lively and energetic, with a sense of exuberance and vitality. The final movement, 'Elfenlied,' is a whimsical fairy tale that tells the story of a magical elf who enchants a young girl. The music is playful and fanciful, with a sense of enchantment and wonder. Overall, 'An den Schlaf (Mörike Lieder)' is a beautiful and varied song cycle that showcases Hugo Wolf's mastery of the art song form. The music is rich and expressive, with a wide range of emotions and moods. The vocal line is lyrical and expressive, while the piano accompaniment is intricate and nuanced. The cycle is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and music to capture the human experience.

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