Composer

:

Gabriel Fauré

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

Aug 22, 1897

Publication Date

:

1897

Average_duration

:

2:21

Gabriel Fauré's 'Le Parfum impérissable, Op. 76/1' is a song for voice and piano, composed in 1898. It was premiered on January 23, 1899, at the Société Nationale de Musique in Paris, with the composer himself at the piano and the baritone Maurice Renaud as the soloist. The song is part of a set of three songs, collectively known as 'La Chanson d'Ève', which Fauré composed based on the poems of Charles van Lerberghe. 'Le Parfum impérissable' is the first song in the set and is characterized by its delicate and ethereal quality. The song is in the key of F-sharp major and is marked 'Andante molto moderato'. It begins with a gentle piano introduction, which sets the mood for the entire piece. The vocal line enters softly, with the singer describing the scent of a flower that has long since withered away. The melody is simple and flowing, with a sense of longing and nostalgia. The second verse introduces a new melody, which is more complex and expressive. The singer describes the memory of the flower's scent, which lingers on in their mind. The piano accompaniment becomes more intricate, with arpeggios and chromatic harmonies adding to the emotional intensity of the music. The final verse returns to the original melody, with the singer expressing their desire to hold onto the memory of the flower's scent forever. The piano accompaniment becomes more subdued, with gentle chords and a sense of resolution. Overall, 'Le Parfum impérissable' is a beautiful and poignant song, which showcases Fauré's skill as a composer of art songs. Its delicate melodies and expressive harmonies capture the essence of the poem, creating a musical interpretation that is both sensitive and evocative.

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