Composer

:

Charles Gounod

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Publication Date

:

1876

Average_duration

:

5:18

"Le banc de pierre" is a vocal work composed by Charles Gounod, a French composer known for his operas and religious music. The piece was composed in 1879 and premiered in the same year in Paris. It is a song cycle consisting of six movements, each of which is a setting of a poem by different poets. The first movement, "Le banc de pierre," is a setting of a poem by Victor Hugo. It is a melancholic and reflective piece that features a simple and repetitive melody. The second movement, "Le soir," is a setting of a poem by Théophile Gautier. It is a more upbeat and lively piece that features a faster tempo and a more complex melody. The third movement, "Le temps des roses," is a setting of a poem by Alfred de Musset. It is a romantic and nostalgic piece that features a slow and expressive melody. The fourth movement, "Le temps des lilas," is a setting of a poem by Paul Verlaine. It is a more introspective and contemplative piece that features a slower tempo and a more subdued melody. The fifth movement, "Adieux de l'hôtesse arabe," is a setting of a poem by Antoine de Latour. It is a dramatic and passionate piece that features a faster tempo and a more intense melody. The final movement, "Le soir qui tombe," is a setting of a poem by Armand Silvestre. It is a peaceful and serene piece that features a slow and gentle melody. Overall, "Le banc de pierre" is a beautiful and evocative song cycle that showcases Gounod's skill as a composer. The piece features a variety of moods and emotions, from melancholy and nostalgia to passion and serenity. Its simple yet expressive melodies and rich harmonies make it a timeless work of art.

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