Composer

:

Benjamin Godard

Genre

:

Vocal

Compose Date

:

1872-1879

Average_duration

:

15:32

Benjamin Godard's 'Fables de La Fontaine, Op. 17' is a collection of six pieces for piano and violin, inspired by the fables of Jean de La Fontaine. The work was composed in 1878 and premiered the same year in Paris. The first movement, 'Le Corbeau et le Renard' (The Crow and the Fox), is a lively and playful piece that captures the mischievous nature of the fable. The violin and piano trade off melodies, with the violin mimicking the crow's cawing and the piano imitating the fox's slyness. The second movement, 'Le Lièvre et la Tortue' (The Hare and the Tortoise), is a slower and more contemplative piece that reflects the moral lesson of the fable. The violin takes on the role of the hare, with fast and virtuosic runs, while the piano represents the steady and determined tortoise. The third movement, 'Le Loup et l'Agneau' (The Wolf and the Lamb), is a dramatic and intense piece that captures the conflict between the two characters. The violin represents the wolf, with aggressive and menacing melodies, while the piano represents the lamb, with gentle and pleading phrases. The fourth movement, 'La Cigale et la Fourmi' (The Grasshopper and the Ant), is a lively and energetic piece that captures the contrasting personalities of the two characters. The violin represents the carefree and playful grasshopper, with fast and playful melodies, while the piano represents the diligent and hardworking ant, with steady and repetitive phrases. The fifth movement, 'Le Chat et le Rat' (The Cat and the Rat), is a playful and humorous piece that captures the cat's attempts to catch the rat. The violin represents the rat, with quick and agile runs, while the piano represents the cat, with sneaky and pouncing phrases. The final movement, 'Le Coq et la Perle' (The Rooster and the Pearl), is a majestic and triumphant piece that captures the rooster's pride and arrogance. The violin represents the rooster, with bold and confident melodies, while the piano represents the pearl, with shimmering and delicate phrases. Overall, 'Fables de La Fontaine, Op. 17' is a charming and delightful work that captures the spirit of the fables through its playful melodies, dramatic contrasts, and vivid characterizations.

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