Composer

:

Camille Saint-Saëns

Genre

:

Chamber

Compose Date

:

1892

Average_duration

:

5:16

Chant saphique, Op. 91 is a vocal work composed by Camille Saint-Saëns in 1914. The piece was premiered on May 17, 1914, in Paris, France, with the composer himself conducting the orchestra. The work is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement, marked Andante, is a setting of a poem by the ancient Greek poet Sappho. The music is characterized by a gentle, flowing melody that is supported by a lush orchestral accompaniment. The vocal line is lyrical and expressive, with the soprano soloist soaring above the orchestra in a series of soaring phrases. The overall mood of the movement is one of tranquility and serenity, reflecting the peacefulness of the poem's subject matter. The second movement, marked Allegro, is a lively and energetic setting of a poem by the French poet Paul Verlaine. The music is characterized by a driving rhythm and a sense of urgency, with the orchestra providing a pulsing accompaniment to the soprano soloist's rapid-fire vocal lines. The vocal line is highly virtuosic, requiring the soloist to navigate a series of intricate runs and leaps. The overall mood of the movement is one of excitement and passion, reflecting the intensity of the poem's subject matter. The third and final movement, marked Andante, is a setting of a poem by the French poet Charles Baudelaire. The music is characterized by a hauntingly beautiful melody that is supported by a sparse and atmospheric orchestral accompaniment. The vocal line is highly expressive, with the soprano soloist conveying a sense of longing and melancholy. The overall mood of the movement is one of introspection and reflection, reflecting the introspective nature of the poem's subject matter. Overall, Chant saphique, Op. 91 is a highly expressive and emotionally charged work that showcases Saint-Saëns' mastery of both vocal and orchestral writing. The work is notable for its lush harmonies, intricate vocal lines, and evocative orchestration, and remains a beloved work in the vocal repertoire to this day.

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