Composer

:

Maurice Ravel

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1903

Average_duration

:

3:36

Maurice Ravel's 'Manteau de fleurs' is a song cycle composed in 1903. It premiered on May 5, 1904, at the Salle Érard in Paris, with the composer himself at the piano. The cycle consists of five songs, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first song, 'Nicolette', is a playful and lighthearted piece that tells the story of a young girl who falls in love with a shepherd. The second song, 'Trois beaux oiseaux du paradis', is a hauntingly beautiful piece that features a solo flute and tells the story of three birds in paradise. The third song, 'Ronde', is a lively and rhythmic piece that features a dance-like melody and tells the story of a group of young girls dancing in a circle. The fourth song, 'Pantoum', is a more complex piece that features a repeating pattern of four lines of text. The music is intricate and layered, with a sense of tension and urgency that builds throughout the piece. The final song, 'Madrigal', is a tender and romantic piece that features a soaring melody and lush harmonies. Overall, 'Manteau de fleurs' is a beautiful and evocative song cycle that showcases Ravel's mastery of melody, harmony, and form. Each song is a miniature masterpiece in its own right, and together they form a cohesive and compelling whole.

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