Composer

:

Henri Barraud

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Average_duration

:

10:38

"Offrande à une ombre" is a composition for orchestra by French composer Henri Barraud. It was composed in 1943 and premiered on January 27, 1944, at the Salle Pleyel in Paris, conducted by Roger Désormière. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement, marked "Lent et solennel" (slow and solemn), begins with a mournful melody played by the strings. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the brass and percussion joining in, before subsiding back into a quiet, reflective mood. The second movement, marked "Allegro con fuoco" (fast and fiery), is a lively and energetic scherzo. The music is characterized by its rhythmic drive and playful melodies, with the various sections of the orchestra trading off musical ideas. The final movement, marked "Lent et mystérieux" (slow and mysterious), is a haunting and atmospheric piece. The music is built around a series of eerie, descending melodies played by the strings, with the other sections of the orchestra adding layers of texture and color. The piece ends with a quiet, unresolved chord, leaving the listener with a sense of mystery and ambiguity. Overall, "Offrande à une ombre" is a powerful and evocative work that showcases Barraud's skill as a composer. The piece is notable for its use of rich harmonies, inventive orchestration, and emotional depth, making it a significant contribution to the French orchestral repertoire of the mid-20th century.

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