Composer

:

Hector Berlioz

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

Sep 1841

Average_duration

:

2:17

Villanelle, H. 82, Op. 7/1 is a song composed by Hector Berlioz in 1841. It was premiered on January 6, 1842, at the Paris Conservatory. The song is part of a collection of six songs called Les Nuits d'été (Summer Nights), which Berlioz composed between 1838 and 1841. Villanelle is the first song in the collection and is written for a solo voice and piano accompaniment. The lyrics are in French and were written by Théophile Gautier. The song is in the form of a villanelle, a traditional French poetic form that consists of five tercets and a quatrain, with a specific rhyme scheme and refrain. The song has a lively and playful character, with a fast tempo and a bright melody. The piano accompaniment is also lively and features a prominent use of staccato notes. The vocal line is highly ornamented, with many runs and trills, which require a skilled and agile singer. The lyrics of the song describe a young girl dancing and singing in a meadow, surrounded by flowers and birds. The refrain, "Tra la la, la la la," adds to the playful and carefree character of the song. Overall, Villanelle is a charming and delightful song that showcases Berlioz's skill as a composer of vocal music. Its lively character and playful melody make it a popular choice for singers and audiences alike.

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