Composer

:

Reynaldo Hahn

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Chanson

Publication Date

:

1921

Average_duration

:

3:17

"Sur l'eau" is a song composed by Reynaldo Hahn, a Venezuelan-French composer, pianist, and conductor. The song was composed in 1900 and premiered the same year. It is a part of a collection of songs called "Venezia" which was inspired by Hahn's travels to Venice. "Sur l'eau" is a song for voice and piano and has a duration of approximately 3 minutes. The song has a slow and flowing tempo, which is meant to evoke the feeling of being on the water. The melody is simple and elegant, with a gentle rise and fall that mimics the movement of the waves. The song is divided into three distinct sections or movements. The first movement begins with a gentle piano introduction that sets the mood for the song. The voice enters with the first line of the lyrics, "Sur l'eau qui dort, la barque glisse lentement" (On the water that sleeps, the boat glides slowly). The melody is simple and understated, allowing the lyrics to take center stage. The second movement begins with a change in tempo and a more complex piano accompaniment. The lyrics become more descriptive, painting a picture of the scenery around the boat. The voice sings, "Les saules tremblent, les roseaux sont frémissants" (The willows tremble, the reeds are quivering). The melody rises and falls, mimicking the movement of the water and the swaying of the trees. The final movement returns to the slower tempo of the first movement. The lyrics become more introspective, with the voice singing, "Je suis heureux, car mon amour est près de moi" (I am happy, for my love is near me). The melody is simple and elegant, with a gentle rise and fall that mimics the movement of the waves. Overall, "Sur l'eau" is a beautiful and evocative song that captures the feeling of being on the water. The simple melody and elegant lyrics make it a timeless classic that is still performed and enjoyed today.

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