Composer

:

Reynaldo Hahn

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

2:45

Reynaldo Hahn's 'L'Heure exquise' is a song cycle composed in 1892. It premiered in Paris in the same year and consists of three movements. The first movement, 'L'Heure exquise,' is a setting of a poem by Paul Verlaine. The second movement, 'A Chloris,' is a setting of a poem by Théophile de Viau. The final movement, 'Si mes vers avaient des ailes,' is a setting of a poem by Victor Hugo. The first movement, 'L'Heure exquise,' is characterized by its dreamy and romantic atmosphere. The melody is simple and flowing, with a gentle accompaniment that supports the vocal line. The poem describes a moment of perfect happiness, and Hahn's music captures this sentiment beautifully. The second movement, 'A Chloris,' is more lively and playful than the first. The poem is a tribute to the goddess of flowers, and Hahn's music is full of bright, colorful harmonies and sparkling piano accompaniment. The vocal line is more virtuosic than in the first movement, with a number of runs and trills that showcase the singer's technical ability. The final movement, 'Si mes vers avaient des ailes,' is perhaps the most famous of the three. The poem is a plea to the poet's lover, asking her to imagine that his words have wings and can fly to her. Hahn's music is tender and expressive, with a soaring melody that perfectly captures the sentiment of the poem. The accompaniment is simple and understated, allowing the vocal line to take center stage. Overall, 'L'Heure exquise' is a beautiful and evocative song cycle that showcases Hahn's skill as a composer. The three movements are each unique in their character and mood, but they are united by a sense of romanticism and lyricism that is characteristic of Hahn's style.

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