Composer

:

Gabriel Fauré

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1865 - 1870

Publication Date

:

1869 - 1876

Average_duration

:

3:29

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

Gabriel Fauré's 'Songs (2) for voice & piano, Op. 2' is a collection of two songs composed in 1864. The premiere of the songs took place in 1865, and they were published in the same year. The two songs in the collection are 'Les Berceaux' and 'Au bord de l'eau.' The first song, 'Les Berceaux,' is a lullaby that depicts a mother rocking her child to sleep in a cradle. The song is set in a minor key, which gives it a melancholic and somber tone. The piano accompaniment is gentle and soothing, mimicking the rocking motion of the cradle. The melody is simple and repetitive, with a descending motif that creates a sense of lulling the child to sleep. The song ends with a fade-out, as if the child has finally fallen asleep. The second song, 'Au bord de l'eau,' is a love song that describes a couple sitting by the water's edge. The song is set in a major key, which gives it a brighter and more optimistic tone than the first song. The piano accompaniment is more complex than in 'Les Berceaux,' with arpeggios and runs that create a sense of movement and flow. The melody is more varied than in the first song, with a rising and falling motif that reflects the ebb and flow of the water. The song ends with a crescendo, as if the couple's love is growing stronger. Overall, Fauré's 'Songs (2) for voice & piano, Op. 2' showcase his early style, which is characterized by simple melodies, expressive harmonies, and a focus on the piano accompaniment. The songs are intimate and emotional, with a sense of nostalgia and longing that is typical of Fauré's music.

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