Composer

:

André Jolivet

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1935

'Poems (3)' is a composition for solo flute, composed by André Jolivet in 1954. The piece was premiered in Paris in the same year by the flutist Jean-Pierre Rampal. The composition consists of three movements, each of which is inspired by a different poem. The first movement, titled "Hommage à Rameau," is based on a poem by the French poet Stéphane Mallarmé. The movement is characterized by its use of extended techniques, such as flutter-tonguing and harmonics, which create a haunting and ethereal atmosphere. The movement is also notable for its use of silence, which Jolivet uses to create a sense of tension and anticipation. The second movement, titled "Cantique," is based on a poem by the French poet Paul Valéry. The movement is characterized by its use of a simple, chant-like melody, which is repeated and developed throughout the movement. The melody is accompanied by a series of trills and ornaments, which add to the movement's sense of mysticism and spirituality. The third and final movement, titled "Chant de Linos," is based on a Greek myth about a musician named Linos, who was killed by his pupil Orpheus. The movement is characterized by its use of rapid, virtuosic passages, which are meant to evoke the frenzied emotions of the characters in the myth. The movement also features a series of dramatic pauses, which Jolivet uses to create a sense of drama and tension. Overall, 'Poems (3)' is a challenging and complex composition that showcases Jolivet's mastery of the flute and his ability to create evocative and atmospheric music. The piece is widely regarded as one of the most important works in the flute repertoire and is frequently performed by flutists around the world.

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