Hugo Wolf, born in 1860 in what is now Slovenia, was an Austrian composer who left an indelible mark on the world of art songs, or Lieder, during the late Romantic era. Known for his intense and expressive compositions, Wolf's music is celebrated for its psychological depth and dramatic scope. Influenced by the likes of Wagner, Liszt, and Schubert, his unique style brought a concentrated expressive intensity to the Lied form, setting it apart from other works of the time.
Wolf's life was marked by both brilliance and struggle. He battled depression and syphilis, and his tumultuous personal life earned him the nickname "der wilde Wolf" — the wild Wolf. Despite these challenges, he produced a body of work that includes masterpieces such as the Goethe Songbook and the Mörike-Lieder, which continue to captivate audiences with their themes of love, passion, and fairy tales. His influence on the German Lied is profound, and his compositions remain a cornerstone of the genre. Wolf's legacy endures, not just through his music, but also through his letters and the enduring impact he had on fellow composers like Gustav Mahler. His untimely death in 1903 at the age of 42 cut short a career that had already achieved so much, leaving behind a rich musical heritage that continues to inspire and move listeners.
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