Composer

:

Lili Boulanger

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

3:56

Lili Boulanger's 'La source' is a symphonic poem that was composed in 1913. It was premiered on March 4, 1913, at the Société Nationale de Musique in Paris, conducted by Désiré-Émile Inghelbrecht. The piece is divided into three movements and has a total duration of approximately 20 minutes. The first movement, titled 'La source', is marked 'Très lent' (very slow) and begins with a soft and delicate melody played by the strings. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the addition of woodwinds and brass, before reaching a climax and then subsiding back into a peaceful and serene atmosphere. The movement is characterized by its use of lush harmonies and impressionistic textures, which create a dreamlike and ethereal quality. The second movement, titled 'La princesse Maleine', is marked 'Assez lent' (quite slow) and is based on the character of the same name from Maurice Maeterlinck's play 'Princess Maleine'. The music is dark and brooding, with a sense of foreboding and tension that builds throughout the movement. The use of dissonant harmonies and angular melodies creates a sense of unease and uncertainty, reflecting the tragic fate of the character. The final movement, titled 'Sous-bois', is marked 'Très lent' (very slow) and is a depiction of a forest. The music is characterized by its use of shimmering textures and delicate melodies, which evoke the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere of the natural world. The movement gradually builds in intensity, with the addition of brass and percussion, before reaching a powerful climax and then subsiding back into a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Overall, 'La source' is a work of great beauty and emotional depth, showcasing Lili Boulanger's skill as a composer and her ability to create vivid and evocative musical landscapes. The piece is notable for its use of impressionistic harmonies and textures, as well as its incorporation of literary and naturalistic themes.

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