Composer

:

Joseph Canteloube

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1923 - 1930

Average_duration

:

4:11

'La-Haut, sur le Rocher' is a composition by Joseph Canteloube, a French composer and musicologist. The piece was composed in 1923 and premiered in Paris in the same year. It is a part of Canteloube's collection of folk songs from the Auvergne region of France, known as 'Chants d'Auvergne'. 'La-Haut, sur le Rocher' is the fourth movement of the collection and is sung in the Auvergnat dialect. The piece is a pastoral song that describes the beauty of the countryside and the joy of being in nature. The lyrics speak of a shepherd who is sitting on a rock, watching over his flock and enjoying the peacefulness of the surroundings. The music of 'La-Haut, sur le Rocher' is characterized by its simple and melodic nature. The piece is scored for voice and orchestra, with the orchestra providing a gentle accompaniment to the singer. The melody is based on a traditional Auvergnat folk song, which Canteloube has arranged and harmonized in his own unique style. The opening of the piece features a solo flute, which sets the pastoral mood of the music. The singer then enters, accompanied by the orchestra, and begins to sing the first verse. The melody is simple and repetitive, with the singer repeating the same phrase several times before moving on to the next. As the piece progresses, the orchestra becomes more prominent, providing a lush and romantic backdrop to the singer's voice. The music builds to a climax towards the end of the piece, with the singer reaching a high note before the music fades away to a gentle conclusion. Overall, 'La-Haut, sur le Rocher' is a beautiful and evocative piece of music that captures the essence of the Auvergne region of France. Canteloube's arrangement of the traditional folk song is masterful, and the piece remains a popular choice for singers and orchestras around the world.

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