Composer

:

Claudin de Sermisy

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

1:59

"Aupres de vous, for 2 voices" is a French chanson composed by Claudin de Sermisy in the 16th century. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written in the early 1530s. The chanson was first published in 1533 in a collection of Sermisy's works titled "Le Second Livre de Chansons." The chanson is written for two voices, with the melody carried by the upper voice and the lower voice providing a harmonic accompaniment. The text of the chanson is a love poem, expressing the speaker's desire to be near their beloved. The poem is written in the form of a dialogue between the speaker and their lover, with each stanza beginning with the phrase "Aupres de vous" (near you). The chanson is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is slow and contemplative, with the voices weaving in and out of each other in a gentle, flowing melody. The second movement is more lively and rhythmic, with the voices bouncing off each other in a playful, dance-like rhythm. The third movement returns to the slower, more contemplative mood of the first, with the voices blending together in a rich, harmonious texture. One of the most notable characteristics of "Aupres de vous" is its use of word painting. Throughout the chanson, Sermisy uses musical devices to illustrate the meaning of the text. For example, in the second movement, the voices imitate the sound of a kiss with a quick, staccato rhythm. In the third movement, the voices rise and fall in a gentle, sighing melody to convey the speaker's longing for their beloved. Overall, "Aupres de vous, for 2 voices" is a beautiful example of Renaissance choral music, with its rich harmonies, intricate melodies, and expressive use of text painting. It remains a popular piece in the choral repertoire to this day.

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