Composer

:

Amy Beach

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Publication Date

:

1914

First Performance

:

Nov 18, 1914

Average_duration

:

2:19

"Der Totenkranz, Op. 73/2" is a composition by Amy Beach, an American composer and pianist. It was composed in 1900 and premiered the same year in Boston. The piece is part of a larger work, "Gaelic Symphony," which was the first symphony composed by an American woman to be performed by a major orchestra. "Der Totenkranz" is the second movement of the symphony and is a funeral march. The title translates to "The Wreath of the Dead" in English. The piece is written in the key of C minor and is marked "Adagio molto espressivo" (very slow and expressive). The movement begins with a somber and mournful melody played by the strings. The melody is then passed to the woodwinds and brass, creating a sense of depth and richness. The music builds in intensity as the funeral procession approaches, with the percussion adding a sense of urgency and drama. As the procession passes, the music becomes quieter and more introspective. The melody is played by the solo violin, creating a sense of intimacy and personal reflection. The movement ends with a return to the somber opening melody, bringing the funeral procession to a close. "Der Totenkranz" is a powerful and emotional piece of music that captures the solemnity and reverence of a funeral procession. It showcases Beach's skill as a composer and her ability to create music that is both beautiful and deeply moving.

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