Composer

:

Hector Berlioz

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

Sep 1841

Average_duration

:

6:12

Hector Berlioz composed "Sur les lagunes. Lamento, H. 84, Op. 7/3" in 1830. It is the third movement of his song cycle "Les Nuits d'été" (Summer Nights), which consists of six songs for voice and piano or orchestra. The premiere of the song cycle took place in 1841, with Berlioz conducting. "Sur les lagunes" is a lament for a lost love, set against the backdrop of the Venetian lagoons. The text, by Théophile Gautier, describes the beauty of the surroundings, but also the pain and longing of the narrator. The music is characterized by its melancholic and dreamy atmosphere, with a haunting melody that is repeated throughout the song. The song begins with a gentle introduction, featuring a solo clarinet and harp, evoking the sound of the lapping waves. The vocal line enters with the first verse, sung in a soft and mournful tone. The melody is simple and repetitive, with a descending motif that emphasizes the sadness of the text. The orchestration is sparse, with delicate strings and woodwinds providing a subtle accompaniment. The second verse is more dramatic, with the narrator expressing his despair and longing. The vocal line rises to a climax, accompanied by a swelling orchestral texture. The third verse returns to the melancholic mood of the opening, with the narrator reflecting on the transience of love and life. The song ends with a quiet coda, featuring a solo violin and harp, as the narrator resigns himself to his fate. "Sur les lagunes" is a prime example of Berlioz's skill in creating evocative and expressive music. The song captures the beauty and sadness of the Venetian landscape, while also conveying the emotional depth of the narrator's feelings. It is a testament to Berlioz's ability to combine poetry and music into a powerful and moving art form.

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