Composer

:

Giacinto Scelsi

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1972 - 1977

Average_duration

:

8:51

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

Giacinto Scelsi's 'Nuits C'est bien la nuit & Le Réveil profond' is a two-part composition for soprano and chamber orchestra. It was composed in 1972 and premiered in Paris in 1973. The first movement, 'Nuits C'est bien la nuit,' is a setting of a poem by Paul Verlaine. The second movement, 'Le Réveil profond,' is a setting of a text by Scelsi himself. The first movement is characterized by its dreamlike quality, with the soprano's voice floating above a shimmering, ethereal orchestral texture. The text speaks of the beauty and mystery of the night, and Scelsi's music captures this sense of wonder and enchantment. The soprano's vocal line is often fragmented and disjointed, with long pauses and sudden leaps, creating a sense of disorientation and otherworldliness. The second movement is more intense and dramatic, with the soprano's voice soaring above a turbulent, restless orchestral accompaniment. The text speaks of the awakening of the soul, and Scelsi's music reflects this sense of spiritual transformation. The vocal line is more declamatory and forceful, with the soprano's voice rising to powerful climaxes before subsiding into moments of quiet introspection. Throughout both movements, Scelsi's music is characterized by its use of microtonal intervals and complex harmonies, creating a sense of ambiguity and instability. The orchestration is sparse and delicate, with the instruments often playing in unison or in small groups, creating a sense of intimacy and introspection. Overall, 'Nuits C'est bien la nuit & Le Réveil profond' is a haunting and evocative work that captures the mystery and beauty of the night, as well as the transformative power of spiritual awakening.

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