Composer

:

Anton Webern

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1908 - 1909

Average_duration

:

5:04

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Anton Webern's 'Songs (5) from Der siebente Ring, for voice & piano, Op. 3' is a collection of five songs composed in 1908. The premiere of the work took place in Vienna in 1914. The songs are based on poems by Stefan George, a German poet who was known for his symbolist and mystical style. The five movements of the work are titled 'Entrückung' (Rapture), 'Seligkeit' (Bliss), 'Schmerz' (Pain), 'Spätherbst' (Late Autumn), and 'Weltende' (The End of the World). Each movement is characterized by its own unique musical language, but all share Webern's characteristic use of atonality and sparse textures. The first movement, 'Entrückung', is a haunting and ethereal setting of George's poem about a mystical experience. The piano part is sparse and delicate, with the voice floating above it in a series of disjointed phrases. 'Seligkeit', the second movement, is a more lyrical and expressive setting of a poem about the joys of love. The piano part is more active in this movement, with flowing arpeggios and cascading chords supporting the soaring vocal line. The third movement, 'Schmerz', is a stark and dissonant setting of a poem about pain and suffering. The piano part is angular and jagged, with the voice often singing in a harsh, declamatory style. The fourth movement, 'Spätherbst', is a melancholy and introspective setting of a poem about the passing of time. The piano part is spare and delicate, with the voice singing in a hushed, almost whispered tone. The final movement, 'Weltende', is a dramatic and apocalyptic setting of a poem about the end of the world. The piano part is thunderous and dissonant, with the voice singing in a series of anguished cries and wails. Overall, 'Songs (5) from Der siebente Ring, for voice & piano, Op. 3' is a powerful and evocative work that showcases Webern's unique musical language and his ability to create vivid and expressive settings of poetry.

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