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Richard Strauss composed his set of four songs, Op. 27, in 1894. Here are some interesting facts about these beautiful Lieder:

1. Composition Circumstances: Strauss composed these songs when he was 24 years old, demonstrating his mastery and innovation in the genre of Lieder (German art songs).

2. Texts by Hermann von Gilm: The lyrics for these songs are written by Hermann von Gilm, an Austrian poet. Strauss was drawn to von Gilm's poetry and crafted his music to complement and enhance the emotional depth of the texts.

3. Varied Themes: Each song in Op. 27 explores a different emotional landscape. They cover themes of love, longing, and the complexities of human emotions, showcasing Strauss's ability to capture and express diverse feelings through music.

4. Technical Complexity: Strauss's Op. 27 demands vocal virtuosity from the singer due to its technical complexity. It requires a skilled vocalist to convey the nuances and depth of emotion embedded in the music.

5. Continued Popularity: These songs remain popular in the vocal repertoire due to their profound emotional content and the exquisite marriage of text and music. They are often performed and recorded by renowned singers and ensembles worldwide.

6. Individual Titles and Themes:

   • Ruhe, meine Seele! (Rest, My Soul!): Explores the theme of finding solace and peace amid turmoil and longing.
   • Cäcilie: Celebrates the overwhelming joy and ecstasy of love.
   • Heimliche Aufforderung (Secret Invitation): Portrays the subtle and passionate invitation to love and desire.
   • Morgen! (Tomorrow!): Reflects on the beauty and promise of a new day after a night of love, conveying hope and tenderness.

Strauss's Op. 27 stands as a testament to his early brilliance as a composer of Lieder, showcasing his ability to interpret and express profound emotions through music, setting the standard for vocal compositions in the late Romantic era.