Composer

:

Darius Milhaud

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Chanson

Compose Date

:

1935 - 1936

Publication Date

:

1937

Average_duration

:

4:43

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Darius Milhaud's 'Chansons de négresse (3), Op. 148b' is a set of three songs for voice and piano, composed in 1954. The premiere of the work took place on May 6, 1955, in Paris, with the composer himself at the piano and the soprano Denise Duval as the soloist. The three movements of the work are titled 'Si vous saviez', 'La femme noire', and 'Mon coeur'. The first movement, 'Si vous saviez', is a lively and rhythmic song that features syncopated piano accompaniment and a playful vocal melody. The second movement, 'La femme noire', is a slower and more contemplative piece that explores themes of love and loss. The final movement, 'Mon coeur', is a joyful and upbeat song that celebrates the joys of life and love. One of the most striking characteristics of 'Chansons de négresse' is its use of African and Afro-Caribbean musical influences. Milhaud was deeply interested in the music of these cultures, and he incorporated elements of their rhythms, melodies, and harmonies into his own compositions. This can be heard in the syncopated rhythms and lively melodies of the first movement, as well as in the use of pentatonic scales and modal harmonies throughout the work. Another notable feature of 'Chansons de négresse' is its use of text. The lyrics for the three songs were written by the French poet and playwright Jean Lurçat, and they explore themes of love, desire, and the human experience. The text is often playful and whimsical, but it also contains moments of deep emotion and reflection. Overall, 'Chansons de négresse (3), Op. 148b' is a vibrant and engaging work that showcases Milhaud's unique musical voice and his fascination with African and Afro-Caribbean music. Its premiere in 1955 was met with critical acclaim, and it remains a beloved work in the composer's oeuvre.

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