Composer

:

Hugo Wolf

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song Collection

Compose Date

:

Oct 4, 1890

Average_duration

:

1:56

Hugo Wolf's 'Selig ihr Blinden (Italienisches Liederbuch)' is a song cycle composed between 1890 and 1896. It premiered in Vienna in 1897, with Wolf himself accompanying the singer. The cycle consists of 46 songs, divided into two volumes, and is based on translations of Italian poems by Paul Heyse. The first volume of 'Selig ihr Blinden' contains 22 songs, while the second volume has 24. The songs are not arranged in any particular order, and each can be performed individually or as part of the cycle. The cycle is known for its emotional intensity and its exploration of themes such as love, longing, and loss. The first volume of the cycle begins with the song 'Auch kleine Dinge', which sets the tone for the rest of the cycle with its delicate melody and introspective lyrics. Other notable songs in the first volume include 'Wie lange schon', which features a haunting melody and a sense of melancholy, and 'Gesegnet sei, durch den die Welt entstund', which is a powerful meditation on the nature of creation. The second volume of the cycle is more varied in tone and style than the first. It includes songs such as 'Nun lass uns Frieden schliessen', which is a gentle and reflective piece, and 'Ich liess mir sagen und mir ward erzahlt', which is a lively and playful song. The final song in the cycle, 'Sterb' ich, so hüllt in Blumen meine Glieder', is a poignant meditation on death and the transience of life. Overall, 'Selig ihr Blinden (Italienisches Liederbuch)' is a masterful work of art that showcases Hugo Wolf's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the complexities of human emotion in music. Its themes and melodies continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a timeless classic of the art song repertoire.

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