Composer

:

Charles Gounod

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Publication Date

:

1870

Average_duration

:

3:16

"Absence" is a song composed by Charles Gounod, a French composer known for his operas and religious music. The song was composed in 1859 and premiered the same year. It is a part of a collection of songs called "Mélodies," which are French art songs that are typically written for solo voice and piano accompaniment. "Absence" is a single-movement song that is characterized by its melancholic and introspective nature. The song is written in the key of F-sharp minor and has a slow tempo. The piano accompaniment is simple and repetitive, providing a steady and somber foundation for the vocal melody. The lyrics of "Absence" were written by the French poet Théophile Gautier. The poem explores the theme of separation and the pain of being apart from a loved one. The opening lines of the poem set the tone for the entire song: "I have left my heart behind me, / In a land that I have never seen." Gounod's setting of the poem is sensitive and expressive, with the vocal melody rising and falling in a way that reflects the emotional content of the lyrics. The song is marked by moments of intense emotion, such as the climax of the melody on the word "absence" in the final stanza. Overall, "Absence" is a beautiful and poignant example of the French art song tradition. Its simple yet powerful melody and evocative lyrics make it a timeless piece of music that continues to be performed and enjoyed today.

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