Composer

:

Hector Berlioz

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

Nov 1835

Average_duration

:

12:54

Le Cinq Mai, H. 74, Op. 6 is a choral symphony composed by Hector Berlioz in 1835. The piece was written to commemorate the death of Napoleon Bonaparte, who died on May 5, 1821, while in exile on the island of Saint Helena. The work is divided into four movements and features a large orchestra, chorus, and soloists. The premiere of Le Cinq Mai took place on May 5, 1835, at the Paris Conservatory. The performance was conducted by François Habeneck, and the soloists included Adolphe Nourrit, Henriette Sontag, and Nicolas-Prosper Levasseur. The piece was well-received by the audience and critics alike, and it quickly became one of Berlioz's most popular works. The first movement of Le Cinq Mai is titled "Le Réveil des Nations" (The Awakening of Nations) and features a slow, mournful introduction followed by a lively and energetic section. The chorus sings of the death of Napoleon and the impact it had on the world, while the orchestra provides a dramatic and powerful accompaniment. The second movement, "Le Retour des Cendres" (The Return of the Ashes), is a somber and reflective piece that features a solo tenor singing of the return of Napoleon's ashes to France. The orchestra provides a gentle and melancholy accompaniment, and the chorus joins in towards the end of the movement. The third movement, "La Colonne" (The Column), is a triumphant and celebratory piece that features a solo soprano singing of the glory and achievements of Napoleon. The orchestra provides a grand and majestic accompaniment, and the chorus joins in towards the end of the movement. The final movement, "Le Triomphe de la Liberté" (The Triumph of Liberty), is a rousing and patriotic piece that celebrates the victory of freedom over tyranny. The chorus sings of the triumph of the French people and the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. The orchestra provides a lively and energetic accompaniment, and the piece ends with a triumphant flourish. Overall, Le Cinq Mai is a powerful and emotional work that showcases Berlioz's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the spirit of a historical event. The piece is notable for its use of large orchestration, dramatic choral writing, and powerful solo performances. It remains a popular work in the classical repertoire and is often performed in commemoration of historical events.

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