Composer

:

Tarik O'Regan

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

2007

Average_duration

:

4:40

"Douce dame jolie" is a choral work composed by Tarik O'Regan in 2012. The piece was premiered on May 12, 2012, by the Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge, under the direction of Stephen Layton. The work is based on a medieval French song of the same name, which was composed by Guillaume de Machaut in the 14th century. The original song is a love poem, and O'Regan's choral setting captures the essence of the poem through its use of rich harmonies and intricate textures. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which explores a different aspect of the poem. The first movement is slow and contemplative, with the choir singing the text in unison. The second movement is more lively and rhythmic, with the choir singing in harmony and accompanied by percussion. The final movement is a return to the slow, contemplative mood of the first movement, with the choir singing in harmony and accompanied by a solo cello. One of the characteristics of O'Regan's setting of "Douce dame jolie" is its use of complex harmonies and textures. The piece features a number of dissonant chords and unexpected harmonic shifts, which create a sense of tension and release throughout the work. Additionally, the use of percussion in the second movement adds a rhythmic energy to the piece, while the solo cello in the final movement provides a haunting and melancholy counterpoint to the choir. Overall, "Douce dame jolie" is a beautiful and evocative choral work that captures the timeless beauty of Guillaume de Machaut's original poem. O'Regan's setting of the text is both innovative and respectful of the source material, and the piece is sure to be a favorite of choral groups and audiences alike for years to come.

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