Composer

:

Darius Milhaud

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1916

Publication Date

:

1920

Average_duration

:

20:40

Movement_count

:

8

Movement ....

Darius Milhaud's 'Poèmes juifs (8), Op. 34' is a collection of eight songs for voice and piano, composed in 1916. The premiere of the work took place in Paris in 1917, with the composer himself at the piano and the baritone Maurice Renaud as the soloist. The eight movements of the work are titled as follows: 1. Prière (Prayer) 2. Danse (Dance) 3. Chant de guerre (War Song) 4. Complainte (Lament) 5. Chant d'amour (Love Song) 6. Chant funèbre (Funeral Song) 7. Chant de mariage (Wedding Song) 8. Chant de la paix (Song of Peace) The 'Poèmes juifs' is characterized by Milhaud's use of Jewish melodies and themes, which he had encountered during his travels in the Middle East and North Africa. The composer's interest in Jewish music was also influenced by his Jewish heritage and his studies with the composer Vincent d'Indy, who encouraged his students to explore folk music. In the 'Poèmes juifs', Milhaud incorporates elements of Jewish music such as modal scales, ornamentation, and rhythmic patterns. The songs are also marked by their emotional intensity, ranging from the mournful 'Complainte' to the celebratory 'Chant de mariage'. The piano accompaniment is often virtuosic, with rapid figurations and complex harmonies. Overall, the 'Poèmes juifs' is a significant work in Milhaud's oeuvre, demonstrating his interest in folk music and his ability to incorporate diverse musical influences into his compositions.

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