Composer

:

Jean-Yves Daniel-Lesur

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Suite

Compose Date

:

1952

Average_duration

:

21:01

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

Le cantique des cantiques is a choral work composed by Jean-Yves Daniel-Lesur in 1952. The piece is based on the biblical text of the Song of Solomon, also known as the Song of Songs or Canticles. It was premiered on May 22, 1952, at the Église Saint-Sulpice in Paris, France. The work is divided into six movements, each of which corresponds to a different section of the Song of Solomon. The first movement, "Le bien-aimé," is a duet between the soprano and tenor soloists, representing the lovers in the text. The second movement, "La bien-aimée," is a solo for the soprano, expressing the woman's longing for her lover. The third movement, "Le jardin clos," is a choral piece that describes the garden where the lovers meet. The fourth movement, "Le roi Salomon," is a solo for the bass, representing the king who tries to seduce the woman. The fifth movement, "Le banquet," is a choral piece that describes the feast where the lovers consummate their love. The final movement, "Le chant des chants," is a duet for the soprano and tenor, expressing the joy and fulfillment of the lovers. The music of Le cantique des cantiques is characterized by its lush harmonies and expressive melodies. Daniel-Lesur's use of modal scales and chromaticism gives the music a mystical quality that reflects the spiritual nature of the text. The choral writing is particularly effective, with rich textures and intricate counterpoint that create a sense of depth and complexity. Overall, Le cantique des cantiques is a powerful and evocative work that captures the beauty and passion of the Song of Solomon. Its premiere in 1952 was a significant event in the French choral music scene, and it remains a beloved piece in the repertoire today.

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