Composer

:

Charles Koechlin

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1902

Charles Koechlin's 'Poems (2) on texts of André Chénier, Op. 23' is a song cycle composed for voice and piano. The cycle was composed in 1927 and premiered in Paris in the same year. The cycle consists of two movements, each based on a poem by the French poet André Chénier. The first movement, 'La jeune captive' (The Young Captive), is a setting of Chénier's poem of the same name. The poem tells the story of a young woman who is imprisoned and yearns for freedom. Koechlin's setting is characterized by its delicate and ethereal piano accompaniment, which creates a sense of longing and melancholy. The vocal line is lyrical and expressive, with a soaring melody that captures the young woman's desire for freedom. The second movement, 'Le jeune malade' (The Young Invalid), is a setting of another poem by Chénier. This poem tells the story of a young man who is dying and reflects on his life and the beauty of the world around him. Koechlin's setting is more introspective than the first movement, with a slower tempo and a more contemplative piano accompaniment. The vocal line is more restrained, with a sense of resignation and acceptance of the young man's fate. Overall, Koechlin's 'Poems (2) on texts of André Chénier, Op. 23' is a beautiful and poignant song cycle that captures the essence of Chénier's poetry. The delicate piano accompaniment and expressive vocal line create a sense of longing and melancholy that is characteristic of Chénier's work. The cycle is a testament to Koechlin's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the emotional depth of the poetry he sets to music.

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