Hugo Wolf (13 March 1860 – 22 February 1903) was one of the greatest composers of German song.
[Previous postings on Hugo Wolf may be found here: 2019 and 2020.]
Head Arrangement
Not Lieder for the casually inclined,
They call for an attention so refined
They leave th’untutored hoi polloi behind. - this blog, March 13, 2019
Two years ago you may have read
Some verses here which might have led
To thoughts that Wolf was cause for dread.
Whatever then, I may have said,
I’ll try again, and say instead,
His songs will seem inert (or dead)
Unless you use both heart and head.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Facing Facts
It is speculated that his choice of lieder texts in the earlier years, largely dealing with sin and anguish, were partly influenced by his contracting syphilis. — Wikipedia
[Around 1891] exhaustion from his prolific past few years combined with the effects of syphilis and his depressive temperament caused him to stop composing for the next several years. — Wikipedia
The critics with the proper expertise
Have all weighed in and each of them agrees
That Hugo Wolf’s venereal disease
Affected him to varying degrees
And influenced his Lieder writing sprees
In concert halls, recital devotees
Are saddened by unpleasant facts like these.
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