Composer

:

Jacques Offenbach

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Publication Date

:

1842

Average_duration

:

26:23

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Jacques Offenbach's "Fables (6) de La Fontaine" is a collection of six musical pieces based on the fables of Jean de La Fontaine. The work was composed in 1842 and premiered on May 18, 1842, at the Théâtre des Bouffes-Parisiens in Paris. The six movements of the work are titled "The Ant and the Grasshopper," "The Wolf and the Lamb," "The Fox and the Grapes," "The Tortoise and the Hare," "The Crow and the Fox," and "The Donkey and the Lapdog." Each movement is a musical interpretation of the corresponding fable, with the music reflecting the mood and character of the story. The first movement, "The Ant and the Grasshopper," is a lively and playful piece that captures the carefree spirit of the grasshopper and the industriousness of the ant. The second movement, "The Wolf and the Lamb," is a tense and dramatic piece that reflects the conflict between the two animals. The third movement, "The Fox and the Grapes," is a mischievous and playful piece that captures the cunning of the fox. The fourth movement, "The Tortoise and the Hare," is a slow and steady piece that reflects the perseverance of the tortoise and the overconfidence of the hare. The fifth movement, "The Crow and the Fox," is a light and airy piece that captures the flattery of the fox and the vanity of the crow. The final movement, "The Donkey and the Lapdog," is a humorous and playful piece that reflects the foolishness of the donkey and the pampered life of the lapdog. Overall, "Fables (6) de La Fontaine" is a charming and whimsical work that captures the spirit of La Fontaine's fables. The music is light and playful, with each movement reflecting the mood and character of the corresponding fable. The work remains a popular choice for chamber music performances and is a testament to Offenbach's skill as a composer.

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