Composer

:

Hans Sommer

Genre

:

Vocal

Compose Date

:

1885-1886

Publication Date

:

1886

Average_duration

:

9:33

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

Hans Sommer's 'Ballads and Romances (7), Op. 11' is a collection of seven songs for voice and piano. The work was composed in 1878 and premiered in Berlin the same year. The songs are based on poems by various German poets, including Heinrich Heine, Emanuel Geibel, and Friedrich Rückert. The first song, "Der Schmied," is a ballad about a blacksmith who falls in love with a noblewoman. The second song, "Die Loreley," is based on a poem by Heinrich Heine and tells the story of a siren who lures sailors to their deaths. The third song, "Die Nonne," is a romantic ballad about a nun who falls in love with a knight. The fourth song, "Die Spinnerin," is a lively and playful song about a spinner who dreams of love. The fifth song, "Die Sperlinge," is a humorous song about sparrows who steal a man's hat. The sixth song, "Die Schwalben," is a romantic ballad about swallows who bring a message of love. The final song, "Die Nachtigall," is a beautiful and melancholic song about a nightingale who sings of lost love. The songs in 'Ballads and Romances (7), Op. 11' are characterized by their lyrical melodies, expressive harmonies, and vivid storytelling. Sommer's use of chromaticism and modulations adds depth and complexity to the music, while the piano accompaniment provides a rich and varied texture. Overall, 'Ballads and Romances (7), Op. 11' is a masterful collection of songs that showcases Sommer's skill as a composer and his ability to bring poetry to life through music.

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