Composer

:

Charles Tomlinson Griffes

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1903 - 1911

Publication Date

:

1970

First Performance

:

Mar 15, 1965

Average_duration

:

1:45

"Am Kreuzweg wird begraben, A. 16" is a composition by American composer Charles Tomlinson Griffes. It was composed in 1915 and premiered in New York City in 1916. The piece is a setting of a German poem by Christian Morgenstern, which translates to "At the Crossroad is Buried." The poem describes a burial at a crossroad, where the deceased is left to rest in peace. The composition is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement, "Langsam und schmerzvoll" (Slow and painful), is a mournful and somber piece that sets the tone for the entire work. The second movement, "Lebhaft und sehr markiert" (Lively and very marked), is a lively and rhythmic section that provides a contrast to the first movement. The final movement, "Sehr langsam und ausdrucksvoll" (Very slow and expressive), returns to the mournful character of the first movement and brings the piece to a somber conclusion. Griffes' composition is characterized by its use of chromaticism and dissonance, which create a sense of tension and unease throughout the piece. The use of dissonance is particularly prominent in the first movement, where it is used to convey the pain and sorrow of the funeral procession. The second movement, on the other hand, is characterized by its use of syncopation and rhythmic complexity, which create a sense of energy and vitality. Overall, "Am Kreuzweg wird begraben, A. 16" is a powerful and emotionally charged work that showcases Griffes' skill as a composer. Its use of chromaticism and dissonance, combined with its contrasting movements, make it a unique and memorable piece in the repertoire of early 20th-century music.

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