Composer

:

Kurt Weill

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

ca. Feb 1942 - 1942 0

Publication Date

:

1947

First Performance

:

Jun 4, 1942

Average_duration

:

2:19

Kurt Weill's "Song of the Free" is a choral work composed in 1936, with lyrics by Bertolt Brecht. It premiered in Paris in the same year, and was later performed in New York City in 1942. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement, "The Ballad of the Drowned Girl," is a mournful and haunting piece that tells the story of a young girl who drowns in a river. The music is slow and melancholic, with a simple melody that is repeated throughout the piece. The lyrics are poetic and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the girl's tragic fate. The second movement, "The Ballad of the Unemployed," is a more upbeat and energetic piece that celebrates the resilience and determination of the working class. The music is lively and rhythmic, with a catchy melody that is easy to sing along to. The lyrics are full of hope and optimism, urging listeners to keep fighting for a better future. The final movement, "The Ballad of the Soldier's Wife," is a poignant and emotional piece that tells the story of a soldier's wife who is left behind when her husband goes off to war. The music is slow and mournful, with a haunting melody that perfectly captures the sadness and longing of the lyrics. The final lines of the piece are particularly powerful, as the wife sings of her hope that her husband will return home safely. Overall, "Song of the Free" is a powerful and moving work that showcases Weill's skill as a composer and Brecht's talent as a lyricist. The piece is a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit, and remains a beloved classic of the choral repertoire to this day.

More....