Composer

:

Jules Massenet

Genre

:

Vocal

Compose Date

:

1891

Publication Date

:

1891

Average_duration

:

03:32

"Le Poète et le fantôme: Qui donc es-tu, forme légère?" is a song composed by Jules Massenet, a French composer known for his operas and art songs. It is part of his collection of songs called "Mélodies, Vol.3," which was published in 1904. The song is a setting of a poem by Victor Hugo, a famous French poet. It tells the story of a poet who encounters a ghost and asks who it is. The ghost replies that it is the spirit of a woman who loved the poet but died before they could be together. The poet is moved by the ghost's words and asks it to stay with him. The song is divided into three movements. The first movement is slow and mournful, with the poet asking the ghost who it is. The second movement is faster and more passionate, with the ghost revealing its identity and expressing its love for the poet. The third movement is slower and more contemplative, with the poet asking the ghost to stay with him. The characteristics of the song are typical of Massenet's style. It is lyrical and expressive, with a strong emphasis on melody and harmony. The piano accompaniment is rich and varied, providing a lush backdrop for the singer's voice. The song is also highly emotional, with a sense of longing and melancholy that is characteristic of much of Massenet's music. "Le Poète et le fantôme: Qui donc es-tu, forme légère?" premiered in 1904 and has since become a popular piece in the repertoire of French art songs. It is a testament to Massenet's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the essence of a poem in music.

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