Composer

:

Henri Dutilleux

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1944 - 1954

First Performance

:

1955

Average_duration

:

6:44

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Henri Dutilleux's 'Sonnets de Jean Cassou' is a song cycle composed in 1972 for soprano and orchestra. The work is based on the poetry of Jean Cassou, a French poet and art historian. The premiere of the work was given on 22 November 1972 in Paris, with the Orchestre National de France conducted by Georges Prêtre, and the soprano soloist was Régine Crespin. The cycle consists of six movements, each of which sets a different sonnet by Cassou. The first movement, 'Le temps l'horloge', is a slow and introspective piece that sets the tone for the rest of the cycle. The second movement, 'Le masque', is more lively and playful, with a syncopated rhythm and a jazzy feel. The third movement, 'Le flambeau', is a haunting and atmospheric piece that features a solo violin and a shimmering orchestral accompaniment. The fourth movement, 'Le tombeau', is a mournful and elegiac piece that features a solo cello and a somber orchestral accompaniment. The fifth movement, 'Le dernier poème', is a powerful and dramatic piece that builds to a climactic conclusion. The final movement, 'Le temps l'horloge II', is a reprise of the opening movement, bringing the cycle full circle. Dutilleux's music is characterized by its rich harmonies, intricate textures, and expressive melodies. The orchestration is colorful and imaginative, with a wide range of timbres and textures. The vocal writing is demanding, requiring a soprano with a strong and agile voice, capable of navigating the complex rhythms and harmonies of the music. Overall, 'Sonnets de Jean Cassou' is a masterful work that showcases Dutilleux's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of the human voice. It is a powerful and moving tribute to the poetry of Jean Cassou, and a testament to the enduring power of art to inspire and uplift the human spirit.

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