Composer

:

Arthur Honegger

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Oratorio

Compose Date

:

1935 - 1944

Publication Date

:

1947

Average_duration

:

70:09

Movement_count

:

12

Movement ....

Jeanne d'Arc au bûcher, H. 99 is a dramatic oratorio composed by Arthur Honegger in 1935. The piece was premiered on May 12, 1938, at the Salle Pleyel in Paris, with Ida Rubinstein as Jeanne d'Arc and Charles Dullin as Frère Dominique. The libretto was written by Paul Claudel, a French poet, playwright, and diplomat. The oratorio is divided into eleven movements, each depicting a different scene from the life of Joan of Arc. The first movement, "Introduction," sets the tone for the piece with a haunting melody played by the strings. The second movement, "The Voices," introduces the character of Joan and her visions of Saint Michael, Saint Catherine, and Saint Margaret. The third movement, "The King," depicts Joan's meeting with Charles VII, the Dauphin of France, and her request to lead the French army. The fourth movement, "The Trial," is one of the most powerful and emotional sections of the oratorio. It depicts Joan's trial and condemnation by the English and the Church. The fifth movement, "Interlude," provides a moment of reflection and contemplation before the next scene. The sixth movement, "The Fire," depicts Joan's execution by burning at the stake. The seventh movement, "The Ascent," portrays Joan's ascent to heaven and her reunion with the saints. The eighth movement, "The Coronation," depicts Joan's crowning of Charles VII as the rightful king of France. The ninth movement, "The Epilogue," provides a final reflection on Joan's life and legacy. The tenth movement, "The Voices of Heaven," features a chorus of angels singing praises to Joan. The final movement, "The Te Deum," is a triumphant hymn of praise to God. The music of Jeanne d'Arc au bûcher is characterized by its use of dissonance, complex harmonies, and unconventional orchestration. Honegger employs a large orchestra, including a saxophone, a piano, and a variety of percussion instruments, to create a rich and varied sound. The piece also features a chorus and soloists, who sing in both French and Latin. Overall, Jeanne d'Arc au bûcher is a powerful and moving work that captures the spirit and legacy of Joan of Arc. Its combination of music and drama creates a unique and unforgettable experience for audiences.

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