Composer

:

Jules Massenet

Genre

:

Vocal

Publication Date

:

1914

Average_duration

:

2:42

"Ma petite mère a pleuré" is a song from Jules Massenet's "Mélodies, Vol.8," a collection of songs for voice and piano. The song was composed in 1899 and premiered the same year. It is a part of the French art song tradition, which emphasizes the beauty of the French language and the emotional expressiveness of the voice. The song is in the key of F major and has a moderate tempo. It is divided into three sections, each with its own distinct character. The first section is marked "Andante," and it begins with a simple, flowing melody in the piano. The voice enters with the first line of the text, "Ma petite mère a pleuré," which means "My little mother cried." The melody is gentle and melancholic, reflecting the sadness of the text. The piano accompaniment is sparse, with simple chords that support the voice without overpowering it. The second section is marked "Allegro moderato," and it is more lively than the first. The melody is more complex, with a faster rhythm and more ornamentation. The text describes the mother's tears as "pearls" that fall from her eyes, and the music reflects this image with a sparkling, cascading melody. The piano accompaniment is more active in this section, with arpeggios and runs that add to the sense of movement and energy. The third section is marked "Andante," and it returns to the mood of the first section. The melody is simpler and more subdued, with a sense of resignation and acceptance. The text describes the speaker's own tears, which fall "like rain" as they think of their mother's sadness. The piano accompaniment is again sparse, with gentle chords that support the voice without distracting from it. Overall, "Ma petite mère a pleuré" is a beautiful example of Massenet's skill as a composer of art songs. The melody is simple yet expressive, and the piano accompaniment is sensitive and supportive. The song captures the emotional complexity of the text, which explores the sadness and love that can exist between a mother and child.

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