Composer

:

Ernest Chausson

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1880

First Performance

:

1880

Average_duration

:

1:48

Ernest Chausson's 'La dernière feuille, Op. 2/4' is a song cycle composed in 1879. The premiere of the work took place in Paris in the same year. The cycle consists of four movements, each of which is based on a poem by French poet Théophile Gautier. The first movement, 'Le charme,' is a gentle and lyrical piece that sets the scene for the rest of the cycle. The second movement, 'La dernière feuille,' is the most famous of the four and is a poignant reflection on the passing of time and the inevitability of death. The third movement, 'Le temps des lilas,' is a nostalgic and romantic piece that evokes the beauty of springtime. The final movement, 'Le colibri,' is a lively and playful piece that celebrates the beauty and energy of nature. Chausson's music is characterized by its rich harmonies and expressive melodies. He was heavily influenced by the music of Richard Wagner and his use of chromaticism and tonal ambiguity reflects this influence. Chausson's music is also notable for its use of leitmotifs, which are recurring musical themes that represent specific characters or ideas. Overall, 'La dernière feuille, Op. 2/4' is a beautiful and evocative work that showcases Chausson's skill as a composer. Its themes of love, loss, and the passage of time are timeless and continue to resonate with audiences today.

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