Composer

:

André Caplet

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Average_duration

:

3:33

André Caplet's 'Le Corbeau et la Renard' is a song cycle for voice and piano, composed in 1919. The piece is based on Jean de La Fontaine's fable of the same name, which tells the story of a crow who is tricked by a fox into dropping a piece of cheese. The cycle consists of three movements, each of which depicts a different aspect of the story. The first movement, 'Le Corbeau', is a slow and mournful piece that sets the scene for the story. The piano plays a simple, repetitive melody that creates a sense of foreboding, while the voice sings a melody that is full of longing and sadness. The lyrics describe the crow as he sits in a tree, alone and isolated, dreaming of the cheese that he has found. The second movement, 'La Renarde', is a lively and playful piece that depicts the fox as she approaches the crow. The piano plays a fast and intricate melody that is full of energy and excitement, while the voice sings a melody that is full of cunning and deceit. The lyrics describe the fox as she flatters the crow, telling him how beautiful he is and how wonderful his voice sounds. The third movement, 'Le Fromage', is a slow and mournful piece that depicts the moment when the crow drops the cheese. The piano plays a simple, repetitive melody that creates a sense of inevitability, while the voice sings a melody that is full of despair and regret. The lyrics describe the moment when the crow realizes that he has been tricked, and how he feels as he watches the fox run away with his cheese. Overall, 'Le Corbeau et la Renard' is a haunting and evocative piece that captures the essence of La Fontaine's fable. Caplet's use of melody, harmony, and rhythm creates a sense of tension and drama that draws the listener in and keeps them engaged throughout the entire cycle. The piece premiered in Paris in 1920 and has since become a staple of the vocal repertoire.

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