Composer

:

Camille Saint-Saëns

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1852

Average_duration

:

4:44

"Le Pas d'armes du Roi Jean" is a symphonic poem composed by Camille Saint-Saëns in 1874. It was premiered on January 17, 1874, at the Salle Pleyel in Paris, conducted by Édouard Colonne. The piece is divided into three movements, each depicting a different scene from a medieval tournament. The first movement, "Le Roi," introduces the king and his court as they arrive at the tournament. The music is grand and majestic, with a regal theme played by the brass and strings. The second movement, "Le Combat," depicts the jousting match between two knights. The music is fast-paced and energetic, with the strings and woodwinds playing rapid arpeggios and trills to represent the clashing of the lances. The brass section adds a sense of drama and excitement to the piece. The final movement, "La Mort du Duc de Guise," portrays the tragic end of the tournament. The music is somber and mournful, with a slow and melancholic melody played by the strings. The brass section adds a sense of solemnity to the piece, as the death of the duke is announced. Overall, "Le Pas d'armes du Roi Jean" is a powerful and evocative piece of music that captures the spirit of a medieval tournament. Saint-Saëns' use of orchestration and melody creates a vivid and dramatic picture of the events, making it a popular piece in the orchestral repertoire.

More....