Composer

:

Charles Gounod

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

5:20

"Jeanne d'Arc et les voix du ciel" is an oratorio composed by Charles Gounod in 1890. The piece was premiered on April 12, 1891, at the Théâtre de la Monnaie in Brussels, Belgium. The oratorio is divided into three movements and tells the story of Joan of Arc, a French heroine who led the French army to victory during the Hundred Years' War. The first movement, titled "The Call," begins with a prelude that sets the tone for the piece. The choir then enters, singing about Joan's visions and her call to lead the French army. The movement is characterized by its grandeur and dramatic intensity, with the choir and orchestra working together to create a sense of urgency and excitement. The second movement, titled "The Trial," is more somber in tone. It begins with a solo by Joan, in which she expresses her faith and her willingness to die for her beliefs. The choir then enters, singing about the trial and execution of Joan. The movement is characterized by its use of chromaticism and dissonance, which create a sense of tension and unease. The third movement, titled "The Triumph," is the most celebratory of the three. It begins with a fanfare, followed by a solo by Joan in which she expresses her joy at the victory of the French army. The choir then enters, singing about the triumph of Joan and the French army. The movement is characterized by its use of brass and percussion, which create a sense of grandeur and triumph. Overall, "Jeanne d'Arc et les voix du ciel" is a powerful and emotional piece that showcases Gounod's skill as a composer. The oratorio is notable for its use of choral and orchestral forces, as well as its dramatic intensity and sense of grandeur.

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