Die Sonette an Orpheus

Sonette an Orpheus, Die, two linked cycles of sonnets by Rilke published together in 1923. They bear the dedication ‘Geschrieben als ein Grab-Mal für Wera Ouckama Knoop’ (see Knoop, Wera Ouckama). The two parts were written in Rilke's mensis mirabilis, February 1922, at Muzot. Part I (26 sonnets) was written between 2 and 5 February, then followed five of the Duineser Elegien, and Pt. II (29 sonnets) was completed between the 11th and 20th. Such speed indicates that the poems must have been virtually complete in the poet's subconsciousness. The sonnets to Orpheus, as their title suggests, are euphonious and musical in tone and breathe an atmosphere of serenity in contrast to the challenging grandeur of the Duineser Elegien, which they may be said to complement. Though the dedication suggests a requiem, the sonnets are, in fact, concerned with life and especially with the role of poetry and art in life. Though a number of the sonnets are orthodox in form, Rilke included several bold and successful experiments with rhythm, rhyme, and length of line.