Composer

:

Hugo Wolf

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

Mar 7, 1888

Average_duration

:

2:01

Elfenlied (Mörike Lieder) is a song cycle composed by Hugo Wolf in 1888. The cycle consists of six songs, each based on a poem by Eduard Mörike. The premiere of the cycle took place in Stuttgart on November 7, 1891, with the composer himself at the piano. The first song, "Der Genesene an die Hoffnung" (The Convalescent to Hope), is a hopeful and optimistic piece that sets the tone for the rest of the cycle. The second song, "Auf einer Wanderung" (On a Hike), is a lively and playful piece that captures the joy of being in nature. The third song, "Erstes Liebeslied eines Mädchens" (A Young Girl's First Love Song), is a tender and romantic piece that explores the emotions of a young girl falling in love for the first time. The fourth song, "Elfenlied" (Elf Song), is the most famous of the cycle. It is a haunting and ethereal piece that captures the mysterious and otherworldly nature of elves. The fifth song, "Verborgenheit" (Seclusion), is a contemplative and introspective piece that explores the idea of finding solace in seclusion. The final song, "Nimmersatte Liebe" (Insatiable Love), is a passionate and intense piece that explores the destructive nature of love. The characteristics of Elfenlied (Mörike Lieder) are typical of Hugo Wolf's style. The songs are highly expressive and emotional, with a strong emphasis on the text and the emotions it conveys. Wolf's use of chromaticism and dissonance creates a sense of tension and unease, while his use of melody and harmony creates a sense of beauty and lyricism. Overall, Elfenlied (Mörike Lieder) is a beautiful and powerful song cycle that showcases Hugo Wolf's mastery of the art song genre. Its combination of expressive text setting, emotional depth, and musical beauty make it a timeless masterpiece of the Romantic era.

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