Composer

:

Alma Mahler

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

1910

Average_duration

:

2:48

"Die stille Stadt" is a song composed by Alma Mahler in 1901. It was premiered in Vienna in 1902. The song is part of a collection of five songs titled "Fünf Lieder" (Five Songs) and is considered one of Mahler's most famous compositions. The song is written for a solo voice and piano accompaniment. It is a slow and melancholic piece that reflects on the theme of death and loss. The lyrics, written by Richard Dehmel, describe a quiet and deserted city where the speaker wanders alone, searching for his lost love. The city is described as a place of stillness and silence, where the only sound is the rustling of leaves and the distant tolling of bells. The song is divided into three distinct sections. The first section is slow and mournful, with the voice and piano moving in parallel motion. The second section is more agitated, with the piano taking on a more prominent role and the voice rising to a higher register. The final section returns to the slow and mournful mood of the opening, with the voice and piano descending in parallel motion. The song is characterized by its use of chromaticism and dissonance, which create a sense of unease and tension. The piano accompaniment is sparse and understated, with the emphasis on the voice and the text. The vocal line is expressive and emotive, with long, sustained notes and frequent changes in dynamics. Overall, "Die stille Stadt" is a haunting and evocative piece that captures the mood of loss and longing. It is a testament to Alma Mahler's skill as a composer and her ability to convey complex emotions through music.

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