Composer

:

Camille Saint-Saëns

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

ca. 1855

Average_duration

:

3:36

'Plainte' is a solo piano piece composed by Camille Saint-Saëns in 1884. It was premiered on January 22, 1885, by the composer himself at a concert in Paris. The piece is part of a collection of six pieces titled 'Six Études pour la main gauche seule' (Six Studies for the Left Hand Alone). 'Plainte' is the fourth piece in the collection and is characterized by its mournful and melancholic tone. The piece is in the key of E-flat minor and is marked 'Lento' (slowly). It consists of a single movement and has a duration of approximately four minutes. The piece begins with a simple and haunting melody played by the left hand. The melody is then repeated and developed throughout the piece, with the right hand providing accompaniment and occasional counterpoint. The piece gradually builds in intensity, with the left hand playing more complex and virtuosic passages. One of the notable characteristics of 'Plainte' is its use of chromaticism. Saint-Saëns employs chromatic harmonies and melodic lines to create a sense of tension and unease. The piece also features a number of dynamic contrasts, with the music alternating between soft and loud passages. Overall, 'Plainte' is a beautiful and poignant piece of music that showcases Saint-Saëns' skill as a composer. Its melancholic tone and use of chromaticism make it a challenging and rewarding piece for pianists to perform.

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