Composer

:

Anton Webern

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1934

Average_duration

:

4:07

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Anton Webern's 'Songs (3) for voice & piano, Op. 25' is a collection of three songs composed in 1926. The premiere of the work took place on 23rd January 1927 in Vienna, Austria. The three movements of the work are titled 'Heftig bewegt', 'Sehr langsam' and 'Sehr rasch'. The first movement, 'Heftig bewegt', is characterized by its intense and agitated nature. The vocal line is highly chromatic and dissonant, with frequent leaps and angular intervals. The piano accompaniment is equally complex, with rapid figurations and abrupt changes in texture and dynamics. The overall effect is one of extreme emotional intensity and turbulence. The second movement, 'Sehr langsam', is a stark contrast to the first. It is slow and contemplative, with a simple and lyrical vocal line accompanied by sparse, delicate piano chords. The harmonies are more tonal and traditional than in the first movement, but still contain moments of dissonance and ambiguity. The mood is introspective and melancholic, with a sense of longing and nostalgia. The final movement, 'Sehr rasch', is the shortest and most energetic of the three. It is characterized by its rapid tempo and playful, dance-like rhythms. The vocal line is highly rhythmic and syncopated, with frequent accents and unexpected pauses. The piano accompaniment is similarly lively, with virtuosic runs and arpeggios. The overall effect is one of joyful exuberance and vitality. Overall, Webern's 'Songs (3) for voice & piano, Op. 25' is a highly expressive and innovative work that showcases the composer's unique approach to vocal music. The use of dissonance, complex rhythms and unconventional harmonies creates a sense of tension and ambiguity that is both challenging and rewarding for performers and listeners alike.

More....