Composer

:

Hector Berlioz

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

Sep 1841

Average_duration

:

7:19

Hector Berlioz's "Le Spectre de la rose" is a song cycle composed in 1841. It premiered on December 6, 1841, at the Paris Conservatory. The piece is part of a larger song cycle called "Les Nuits d'été," which consists of six songs. "Le Spectre de la rose" is a single-movement piece that lasts approximately six minutes. The song is based on a poem by Théophile Gautier, which tells the story of a young woman who falls asleep after attending a ball. In her dream, she is visited by the spirit of a rose that she had worn to the ball. The rose spirit dances with her, and when she wakes up, she finds the rose on her pillow. The piece is scored for voice and piano, and it features a lyrical melody that is accompanied by a flowing piano part. The vocal line is characterized by long, sweeping phrases that are expressive and emotional. The piano part is equally expressive, with arpeggiated chords and delicate runs that create a dreamlike atmosphere. One of the most notable characteristics of "Le Spectre de la rose" is its use of harmony. Berlioz employs chromaticism and modulations to create a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty, which reflects the dreamlike quality of the poem. The piece also features a number of dynamic contrasts, with sudden shifts from soft to loud and vice versa. Overall, "Le Spectre de la rose" is a beautiful and haunting piece that showcases Berlioz's skill as a composer.

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