Composer

:

Maurice Ravel

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

1907

Average_duration

:

2:14

Maurice Ravel's "Sur l'herbe" is a song cycle composed in 1907-1908, with lyrics by Paul Verlaine. The premiere of the work took place on May 5, 1909, in Paris, with the composer himself at the piano and the baritone singer Maurice Renaud. The song cycle consists of three movements, each of which is a setting of a Verlaine poem. The first movement, "Assez vif," is a lively and playful piece that captures the joy and energy of a summer day spent outdoors. The second movement, "Très lent," is a slow and melancholic piece that reflects on the passing of time and the transience of life. The final movement, "Assez animé," is a lively and rhythmic piece that celebrates the beauty and vitality of nature. One of the characteristics of "Sur l'herbe" is its use of impressionistic harmonies and textures. Ravel employs a wide range of tonal colors and textures to evoke the different moods and emotions of the poems. The piano part is particularly notable for its intricate and delicate figurations, which create a shimmering and ethereal atmosphere. Another characteristic of the work is its use of word painting. Ravel's music closely follows the rhythms and inflections of Verlaine's poetry, creating a seamless integration of text and music. The vocal line is often highly expressive, with long, lyrical phrases and subtle shifts in dynamics and articulation. Overall, "Sur l'herbe" is a masterful example of Ravel's artistry and his ability to create evocative and expressive music. Its combination of impressionistic harmonies, intricate textures, and sensitive word painting make it a timeless masterpiece of the French art song repertoire.

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