Erich Wolfgang Korngold

Lieder des Abschieds

Erich Wolfgang Korngold (1897-1957) composed a song in 1915 titled Österreischischer Soldatenabschied (Austrian Soldier's Song of Farewell) for the Austrian War Relief Fund. This work inspired the set of four songs titled Lieder des Abschieds (Abschiedslieder; Songs of Farewell), Op. 14, each contemplating the unwilling separation of loved ones, which was written between 1920 and 1921 for alto and piano. These melancholy works are considered among Korngold's finest songs. Songs: 1. Sterbelied (Requiem); 2. Dies eine kann mein Sehnen nimmer fassen (The one thing my desire can never comprehend); 3. Mond so gehst du wieder auf (Moon once again you rise); 4. Gefasster Abschied (Calm Farewell) - this is based on the earlier Österreischischer Soldatenabschied. This version was first performed on November 5, 1921, in Vienna, the composer on the keyboard. Korngold also conducted the premiere of his orchestral version on January 14, 1923, also in Vienna.