Composer

:

Franz Liszt

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1842 - 1856

Publication Date

:

1843 - 1856

Average_duration

:

3:43

"Der König von Thule" is a song composed by Franz Liszt in 1842, based on a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The song was originally composed for voice and piano, but Liszt later arranged it for solo piano as well. The song has two movements, with the first movement being a slow and melancholic introduction, and the second movement being a lively and energetic dance. The song tells the story of a king who, on his deathbed, remembers his lost love and the goblet she gave him. The first movement begins with a mournful melody played by the piano, which sets the somber tone of the song. The singer then enters, singing the first verse of the poem in a slow and mournful manner. The piano continues to play a simple accompaniment, which emphasizes the sadness of the song. The second movement begins with a lively and energetic dance, which is in stark contrast to the first movement. The piano plays a fast and intricate melody, while the singer sings the second verse of the poem in a more upbeat and lively manner. The dance continues throughout the rest of the song, with the piano and singer trading off melodies and rhythms. One of the characteristics of "Der König von Thule" is its use of contrasting moods and tempos. The slow and mournful first movement is followed by the lively and energetic second movement, which creates a sense of tension and release. Another characteristic of the song is its use of simple melodies and accompaniments, which allow the singer to convey the emotion of the poem without being overshadowed by the music. "Der König von Thule" premiered in 1842, and has since become one of Liszt's most popular songs. Its simple yet powerful melodies and contrasting moods have made it a favorite among singers and pianists alike.

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