Symphony No.1 in D Major – First Movement

Listening Guide   The Work Tempo: Langsam. Schleppend (“Wie Ein Naturlaut”); Immer Sehr Gemächlich (Slowly. Dragging (Like The Sound Of Nature); Always Very Relaxed) Key: D Major, D Major Time Signature: 4/4 And Alla Breve (Cut-Time) Form: Modified Sonata With Introduction And Coda.    

Symphony No.1 in D Major – Introduction

Listening Guide   The Work Date(s) of Composition: 1884-1888; published 1899, revised 1906 Place of Composition: Kassel, Leipzig and Budapest Premiere: 20 November 1889 in Budapest Orchestration: 4 flutes (including piccolo), 4 oboes (including English horn), 4 clarinets in B, A and C (including bass clarinet in B and piccolo clarinet in E-flat), 3 bassoons (including contrabassoon), 7… Continue reading Symphony No.1 in D Major – Introduction

Des Knaben Wunderhorn – Original Piano Version

The Work Teldec 9031-74726-2Thomas Hampson, baritone Geoffrey Parsons, piano Der Schildwache Nachtlied (Sentinel’s Night Song) Verlorene Müh’ (Vain Effort) Trost Im Unglück (Consolation In Sorrow) Wer Hat Dies Liedlein Erdacht? (Who Thought Up This Little Song?) Das Irdische Leben (The Earthly Life) Des Antonius Von Padua Fischpredigt (St. Anthony Of Padua’s Sermon To The Fishes)… Continue reading Des Knaben Wunderhorn – Original Piano Version

Des Knaben Wunderhorn – Der Tambourg’sell (The Drummer Boy)

Listening Guide   The Work Key: D minor (E minor in piano version), with modulations to G minor and A minor, ending in C minor (D minor in piano version). Tempo:Gemessen, dumpf (nicht schleppen) (measured, muffled (without dragging)) Time Signature: 2/2 (alla breve) Form: strophic with rondo-like elements in several reprises of the opening theme.… Continue reading Des Knaben Wunderhorn – Der Tambourg’sell (The Drummer Boy)

Des Knaben Wunderhorn – Revelge (Reveille)

Listening Guide   The Work Key: D minor/major with various modulations Tempo: Marschierend. In einem fort (In march tempo, without interruption). Time signature: 4/4 Rhythm: march tempo Form: strophic (AA’-BB’-CD-AA) Des Morgens zwischen drei’n und vieren,da müssen wir Soldaten marschieren,das Gässlein auf und ab,tral-la-li, tral-la-ley, tral-la-lera,mein Schätzel sieht herab!   Ach, Bruder, jetzt bin ich… Continue reading Des Knaben Wunderhorn – Revelge (Reveille)

Des Knaben Wunderhorn – Lob Des Hohen Verstandes (In Praise Of High Intellect)

Listening Guide   The Work Key: D major (E major in the piano version) Tempo:Keck (arrogantly) Time Signature: 2/4 Form: Simple strophic form (AAABA) Einstmals in einem tiefen TalKuckuck und NachtigallTäten ein Wett’ anschlagenGewinn’ es Kunst, gewinn’ es Glück,Zu singen um das Meisterstück.Dank soll er davon tragen.   Der Kuckuck sprach: ‘So dir’s gefälltHab’ ich… Continue reading Des Knaben Wunderhorn – Lob Des Hohen Verstandes (In Praise Of High Intellect)

Des Knaben Wunderhorn – Wo Die Schönen Trompeten Blasen (Where The Proud Trumpets Blow)

Listening Guide   The Work Key: D minor with modulations into D major, G-flat major/minor (enharmonic F-sharp), D major and ending in D minor) Tempo: Verträumt. Leise (Dreamily, soft); Sehr gehalten (very steady) Time Signature: 2/4 and 3/4 Form: Rondo [ABA(C)ABA] Premiere: 1900 (sung by Selma Kurz, soprano) ‘Wer ist denn draussen und wer klopfet… Continue reading Des Knaben Wunderhorn – Wo Die Schönen Trompeten Blasen (Where The Proud Trumpets Blow)