Composer

:

Ernest Chausson

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song Cycle

Compose Date

:

1882 - 1893

Average_duration

:

27:43

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Ernest Chausson's 'Poème de l'amour et de la mer, Op. 19' is a symphonic poem for voice and orchestra. It was composed in 1882-83 and premiered on January 19, 1893, in Brussels, Belgium. The work is divided into two movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, 'La fleur des eaux' (The Flower of the Waters), is a lush and romantic depiction of the sea. The music is characterized by sweeping melodies and rich harmonies, evoking the ebb and flow of the waves. The vocal part is lyrical and expressive, with the singer portraying a lover who is lost in contemplation of the sea and its beauty. The orchestra provides a rich and colorful accompaniment, with shimmering strings, delicate woodwinds, and powerful brass. The second movement, 'La mort de l'amour' (The Death of Love), is a darker and more dramatic piece. The music is characterized by tense and dissonant harmonies, reflecting the emotional turmoil of the protagonist. The vocal part is more declamatory and forceful, with the singer portraying a lover who has been betrayed and is now consumed by grief and despair. The orchestra provides a powerful and dramatic accompaniment, with thundering timpani, mournful strings, and piercing brass. Overall, 'Poème de l'amour et de la mer' is a highly expressive and emotional work, showcasing Chausson's skill as a composer of both melody and orchestration. The work is notable for its use of chromaticism and dissonance, which were relatively new techniques at the time of its composition. It is also notable for its use of symbolism and imagery, particularly in the first movement, which portrays the sea as a symbol of love and beauty.

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