Composer

:

Hugo Wolf

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

Apr 23, 1896

Average_duration

:

1:25

Hugo Wolf's "Nicht länger kann ich singen (Italienisches Liederbuch)" is a song cycle composed between 1890 and 1891. The premiere of the cycle took place in Vienna in 1892. The cycle consists of 46 songs, divided into two volumes, and is based on a collection of Italian poems translated into German by Paul Heyse. The cycle is divided into two volumes, with the first volume consisting of 22 songs and the second volume consisting of 24 songs. The songs are arranged thematically, with the first volume focusing on love and the second volume focusing on life and death. The songs in the cycle are characterized by their emotional intensity and their use of chromaticism and dissonance. Wolf's use of chromaticism and dissonance creates a sense of tension and unease, which reflects the emotional turmoil of the poems. The first volume of the cycle is characterized by its focus on love and relationships. The songs in this volume explore themes such as unrequited love, jealousy, and betrayal. The second volume of the cycle is characterized by its focus on life and death. The songs in this volume explore themes such as aging, death, and the transience of life. The cycle is notable for its use of Italian poetry, which was a departure from the German poetry that was typically used in song cycles at the time. The use of Italian poetry allowed Wolf to explore new themes and emotions, and to create a unique musical language that was distinct from the German tradition. Overall, "Nicht länger kann ich singen (Italienisches Liederbuch)" is a powerful and emotionally charged song cycle that showcases Wolf's mastery of the art song form. Its use of Italian poetry and its innovative musical language make it a landmark work in the history of the art song.

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