Composer

:

Carl Loewe

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Carl Loewe's 'Fabellieder (4), Op. 64' is a song cycle composed in 1842. The premiere of the cycle took place in Berlin in the same year. The cycle consists of four movements, each of which is based on a different fable. The fables are taken from the collection of Aesop's Fables, which are known for their moral lessons. The first movement of the cycle is titled 'The Fox and the Grapes'. It is a lively and playful piece that tells the story of a fox who tries to reach a bunch of grapes that are hanging high on a vine. The fox tries several times to reach the grapes but fails each time. In the end, the fox gives up and declares that the grapes are probably sour anyway. The second movement is titled 'The Ant and the Grasshopper'. It is a more serious and contemplative piece that tells the story of an ant who works hard all summer to store food for the winter. The grasshopper, on the other hand, spends the summer singing and playing. When winter comes, the grasshopper is left hungry and cold, while the ant is warm and well-fed. The third movement is titled 'The Lion and the Mouse'. It is a dramatic and powerful piece that tells the story of a lion who is caught in a trap. A mouse comes along and frees the lion from the trap. Later, the mouse is in danger, and the lion returns the favor by saving the mouse's life. The fourth and final movement is titled 'The Tortoise and the Hare'. It is a lively and energetic piece that tells the story of a hare who challenges a tortoise to a race. The hare is confident that he will win easily and takes a nap during the race. The tortoise, however, keeps plodding along and eventually wins the race. Overall, 'Fabellieder (4), Op. 64' is a charming and engaging song cycle that showcases Loewe's skill as a composer. The cycle is notable for its use of fables as source material, which gives the music a timeless quality. Each movement is distinct and memorable, with its own unique character and mood.

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