Composer

:

Hugo Wolf

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

Nov 6, 1888

Average_duration

:

1:03

Hugo Wolf's 'Gleich und Gleich' is a song cycle composed in 1888, based on poems by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The premiere of the cycle took place in Vienna in 1890, with the composer himself at the piano. The cycle consists of six songs, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first song, 'Gleich und Gleich', is a lively and playful piece, with a jaunty piano accompaniment that sets the tone for the rest of the cycle. The second song, 'Gebet', is a more introspective piece, with a slower tempo and a more contemplative mood. The third song, 'Anakreons Grab', is a mournful piece, with a haunting melody and a sense of melancholy. The fourth song, 'Der Fischer', is a dramatic piece, with a powerful piano accompaniment that underscores the intensity of the lyrics. The fifth song, 'Prometheus', is a more philosophical piece, with a soaring melody and a sense of grandeur. The final song, 'Ganymed', is a joyful and exuberant piece, with a lively piano accompaniment that brings the cycle to a rousing conclusion. Throughout the cycle, Wolf's music is characterized by its sensitivity to the text, with each song perfectly capturing the mood and meaning of Goethe's poetry. The piano accompaniments are particularly noteworthy, with Wolf using a wide range of textures and techniques to create a rich and varied musical landscape. Overall, 'Gleich und Gleich' is a masterful example of the art song genre, showcasing Wolf's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of the poetry of Goethe.

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