Composer

:

Jacques Ibert

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1925

Average_duration

:

4:31

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

Deux stèles orientées is a composition for solo flute, composed by Jacques Ibert in 1945. The piece was premiered in Paris in the same year by the flutist Jean-Pierre Rampal. The title of the piece translates to "Two Oriented Steles," and it is inspired by the ancient Egyptian practice of erecting stelae, or stone pillars, to commemorate important events or individuals. The two stelae in this piece represent the sun rising and setting, and the music is meant to evoke the mystical and spiritual atmosphere of ancient Egypt. Deux stèles orientées is divided into two movements, each representing one of the stelae. The first movement, "Stèle du soleil levant" ("Stele of the Rising Sun"), is characterized by its bright and energetic opening, which represents the sun rising over the horizon. The music then becomes more contemplative, with long, flowing lines that evoke the stillness of the morning. The movement ends with a return to the opening theme, representing the sun reaching its zenith. The second movement, "Stèle du soleil couchant" ("Stele of the Setting Sun"), is more introspective and melancholy. The music is characterized by long, mournful phrases that evoke the fading light of the setting sun. The movement builds to a climax before fading away into silence, representing the end of the day. Overall, Deux stèles orientées is a haunting and evocative piece that showcases Ibert's skill at creating vivid musical imagery. The piece is a favorite of flutists and is often performed in recitals and competitions.

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