Composer

:

Claude Debussy

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1887

Average_duration

:

2:59

'C'est l'extase' is a song composed by Claude Debussy in 1882, with lyrics by Paul Verlaine. It is the first of three songs in the cycle 'Ariettes oubliées', which was premiered in 1903. The song is in the key of F-sharp major and is marked 'Andantino con moto'. The song is characterized by its dreamy and sensual atmosphere, which is typical of Debussy's music. The piano accompaniment is delicate and flowing, with arpeggios and gentle chords that create a sense of movement and fluidity. The vocal line is lyrical and expressive, with long phrases that rise and fall in a natural and organic way. The text of the song is taken from Verlaine's collection of poems 'Romances sans paroles'. It describes a moment of ecstasy between two lovers, as they embrace and lose themselves in each other's arms. The language is rich and evocative, with images of flowers, stars, and the sea that suggest a world of beauty and sensuality. The song is divided into three sections, each of which has its own distinct character. The first section is marked by a sense of anticipation and longing, as the lovers prepare to embrace. The second section is the moment of ecstasy itself, with the music becoming more intense and passionate. The final section is a return to the calm and dreamy atmosphere of the opening, as the lovers bask in the afterglow of their experience. Overall, 'C'est l'extase' is a beautiful and evocative song that captures the essence of Debussy's musical style. Its delicate and sensual atmosphere, combined with Verlaine's rich and evocative text, make it a masterpiece of French art song.

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