Gesänge der Frühe

Movements#

The five movements are tonally organized by the three notes in the D major triad: D, F, and A. The first, second, and fifth pieces are in D major; the fourth piece is in F minor; and the third piece is in A major. 1. (In a tranquil tempo, D major) : The opening movement is like a chorale with rhythmic simplicity and a subdued, but rich texture. Many dissonant intervals permeate the transparent texture. The main melody is heard in stretto in the final two phrases. The entire movement has an almost religious sonority. 2. (Animated, not too quick, D major) : The movement is nearly entirely contrapuntal. The composer avoids showing listeners where the tonic key is. 3. (Lively, A major) : Probably the most virtuosic of the set, this movement has a constant, galloping rhythmic drive which continues throughout the piece. The octaves and large chords contribute to the heavy sonority. 4. (With motion, F minor) : A melody is mixed with a cascading accompaniment of 32nd notes. The music is restless and becomes agitated in the climax. 5. (First tranquil, then moved tempo, D major) : The final piece returns to a similar character and sonority as the first movement. A quicker 16th note accompaniment emerges from the thin texture. The lack of a strong final cadence brings this enigmatic piece to an ambiguous, but beautiful close.

External links#

• , Frederic Bager
• , Eric Le Sage