Composer

:

Sergey Rachmaninov

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1891

Average_duration

:

2:24

"C'était en avril" is a song composed by Sergey Rachmaninov in 1913. It is the first song in his Opus 14 collection, which consists of twelve songs. The song was premiered in Moscow in 1914, with the composer himself accompanying the singer. The song is written for a high voice and piano accompaniment. It is in the key of F-sharp minor and has a moderate tempo. The song is divided into three sections, with the first and third sections being in the same key and the second section modulating to the relative major key of A major. The first section of the song is marked "Andante cantabile" and is characterized by a flowing melody in the piano accompaniment. The vocal line is lyrical and expressive, with the singer recounting a memory of a past love. The second section is marked "Allegro" and is more energetic than the first section. The piano accompaniment is more rhythmic, and the vocal line is more declamatory. The singer describes the joy and excitement of being with their lover. The third section returns to the mood of the first section, with the same flowing melody in the piano accompaniment and a lyrical vocal line. The singer reflects on the memory of their past love and the pain of losing them. Overall, "C'était en avril" is a beautiful and expressive song that showcases Rachmaninov's skill as a composer of vocal music. The song is notable for its flowing melodies, expressive harmonies, and emotional depth. It is a popular choice for singers and has been recorded by many famous vocalists over the years.

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