Composer

:

Claude Debussy

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

1884

Publication Date

:

1926

Average_duration

:

3:46

"Apparition, L. 53" is a song composed by Claude Debussy in 1884. It was premiered on May 4, 1904, in Paris, France. The song is a setting of a poem by Stéphane Mallarmé, a French symbolist poet. The poem is about a woman who appears to the speaker in a dream-like state, and the song captures the ethereal and mysterious quality of the poem. The song is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is marked "Très lent" (very slow) and is characterized by a haunting melody in the piano, which sets the mood for the entire song. The vocal line is also slow and deliberate, with long, sustained notes that create a sense of longing and yearning. The second movement is marked "Plus animé" (more animated) and is more rhythmic and lively than the first. The piano accompaniment is more complex, with a faster tempo and more intricate harmonies. The vocal line is also more varied, with a wider range of notes and more dynamic changes. The third movement is marked "Très lent" (very slow) and returns to the mood of the first movement. The piano accompaniment is simpler, with a repeated pattern that creates a sense of stasis and stillness. The vocal line is also slow and deliberate, with long, sustained notes that create a sense of finality and closure. Overall, "Apparition, L. 53" is a haunting and evocative song that captures the essence of Mallarmé's poem. Debussy's use of melody, harmony, and rhythm creates a dream-like atmosphere that perfectly complements the mysterious and ethereal quality of the poem.

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