1900–11
Copyist's copy
Universal Edition, Wien
(permanent loan at the Arnold Schönberg Center, Wien)
“A ballade in nine pieces, in nine images or nine scenes, if you wish, which recounts episodes from the legendary love of King Waldemar for his beautiful Tove. Waldemar rides from Öresund to Gurre Castle into Tove’s arms. The Song of the Wood-Dove soon tells of his lover’s death: Waldemar’s wife, the queen, has wreaked her bloody revenge. In his despair, Waldemar blasphemes against God. The poet elevates the heroes of this love story to mystical creatures, accompanied by powerful images of nature.” (Julius Korngold, 1913)