Composer

:

Jules Massenet

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Chanson

Compose Date

:

1900

Average_duration

:

11:02

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Jules Massenet's 'Chansons (5) des bois d'Amaranthe' is a song cycle composed in 1897. The premiere of the work took place on May 5, 1897, at the Salle Pleyel 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, 'Le temps des lilas', is a nostalgic and melancholic piece that evokes the beauty of springtime and the passing of time. The second song, 'Les étoiles', is a dreamy and ethereal piece that explores the mysteries of the night sky. The third song, 'La fête', is a lively and festive piece that celebrates the joys of life and love. The fourth song, 'Le grillon', is a playful and whimsical piece that depicts the chirping of a cricket in the summer night. The final song, 'Le papillon', is a delicate and graceful piece that captures the beauty and fragility of a butterfly. The 'Chansons (5) des bois d'Amaranthe' is characterized by Massenet's lyrical and expressive style, which is evident in the soaring melodies and rich harmonies of the songs. The cycle also showcases Massenet's skill in setting poetry to music, as each song is based on a poem by a different French poet, including Paul Bourget, Sully Prudhomme, and Théodore de Banville. Overall, the 'Chansons (5) des bois d'Amaranthe' is a beautiful and evocative song cycle that showcases Massenet's mastery of the art song genre. Its combination of poetic texts, expressive melodies, and rich harmonies make it a beloved work in the French art song repertoire.

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