Composer

:

Hugo Wolf

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

Jul 8, 1879

Average_duration

:

4:23

"Herbstentschluss" is a song cycle composed by Hugo Wolf in 1888. The premiere of the cycle took place in Vienna in 1891. The cycle consists of four movements, each of which is a setting of a poem by Eduard Mörike. The first movement, "Erntelied," is a lively and energetic song that celebrates the harvest season. The music is characterized by its rhythmic drive and its use of folk-like melodies. The second movement, "Auf ein altes Bild," is a more introspective and melancholy song. The music is characterized by its use of chromatic harmonies and its expressive vocal line. The third movement, "Bei einer Trauung," is a setting of a wedding scene. The music is characterized by its use of a simple, hymn-like melody and its gentle, pastoral atmosphere. The final movement, "Abschied," is a poignant and bittersweet song that reflects on the passing of time and the inevitability of death. The music is characterized by its use of a mournful melody and its rich, chromatic harmonies. Overall, "Herbstentschluss" is a masterful example of Hugo Wolf's artistry as a composer of lieder. The cycle showcases his ability to create music that is both deeply expressive and technically sophisticated, and it remains a beloved work in the repertoire of art song.

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