Composer

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Louis Vierne

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Keyboard

Compose Date

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1920

Louis Vierne's 'Silhouettes d'enfants, Op. 43' is a collection of six short pieces for piano, composed in 1914. The work was premiered on January 22, 1915, at the Salle Gaveau in Paris, with the composer himself at the piano. The six movements of 'Silhouettes d'enfants' are titled 'L'Étang', 'La Balançoire', 'La Toupie', 'La Poupée', 'Les Marionnettes', and 'Le Bal'. Each movement is a musical depiction of a different childhood activity or toy. The first movement, 'L'Étang', is a tranquil and reflective piece that evokes the peacefulness of a pond. The second movement, 'La Balançoire', is more lively and playful, capturing the joy of swinging on a swing. The third movement, 'La Toupie', is a fast and energetic piece that imitates the spinning motion of a top. The fourth movement, 'La Poupée', is a gentle and delicate piece that portrays the sweetness of a doll. The fifth movement, 'Les Marionnettes', is a lively and rhythmic piece that imitates the movements of puppets. The final movement, 'Le Bal', is a joyful and celebratory piece that evokes the excitement of a dance. Overall, 'Silhouettes d'enfants' is a charming and evocative work that captures the innocence and playfulness of childhood. The pieces are relatively simple in terms of their technical demands, but they require a sensitive touch and a keen sense of musical expression to bring out their full character.

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