Composer

:

Arthur Honegger

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1920 - 1923

Publication Date

:

1924

Average_duration

:

5:52

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Arthur Honegger's 'Poésies de Jean Cocteau (6)', H. 51 is a song cycle composed in 1920. The premiere of the work took place on 22nd January 1921 in Paris, with the composer himself at the piano and the baritone Maurice Vieux as the soloist. The cycle consists of six songs, each based on a poem by the French writer and artist Jean Cocteau. The first song, 'Le jeune homme et la mort', is a dramatic and intense piece that tells the story of a young man who is visited by Death. The music is dark and brooding, with a sense of impending doom that builds throughout the song. The second song, 'Le pont', is a more lighthearted piece that tells the story of a bridge that connects two lovers. The music is playful and whimsical, with a sense of joy and happiness that pervades the entire song. The third song, 'Sanglots', is a mournful and melancholic piece that expresses the pain and sorrow of lost love. The music is slow and mournful, with a sense of longing and sadness that is palpable throughout the song. The fourth song, 'Fête des belles eaux', is a lively and energetic piece that celebrates the beauty and power of water. The music is fast and rhythmic, with a sense of excitement and joy that is infectious. The fifth song, 'Voyage', is a dreamy and ethereal piece that takes the listener on a journey through the imagination. The music is soft and gentle, with a sense of wonder and mystery that is captivating. The final song, 'Hymne', is a triumphant and uplifting piece that celebrates the power of love and the human spirit. The music is grand and majestic, with a sense of triumph and victory that is inspiring. Overall, 'Poésies de Jean Cocteau (6)', H. 51 is a diverse and engaging song cycle that showcases Honegger's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the essence of Cocteau's poetry. The music is varied and expressive, with a range of emotions and moods that make it a compelling and rewarding listening experience.

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