Composer

:

Gabriel Fauré

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song Cycle

Compose Date

:

1921

Publication Date

:

1922

Average_duration

:

8:01

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Gabriel Fauré's 'L'horizon chimérique (4), Op. 118' is a song cycle composed in 1921. It premiered on May 5, 1922, in Paris, with baritone Maurice Renaud and pianist Alfred Cortot. The cycle consists of four songs, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first song, 'La mer est infinie,' is a slow and contemplative piece that sets the tone for the rest of the cycle. The piano accompaniment is sparse and delicate, creating a sense of vastness and emptiness that mirrors the endless sea. The vocal line is lyrical and expressive, with long phrases that ebb and flow like the tide. The second song, 'Je me suis embarqué,' is more lively and rhythmic, with a jaunty piano accompaniment that evokes the motion of a ship at sea. The vocal line is more declamatory, with short, staccato phrases that convey a sense of urgency and excitement. The third song, 'Diane, Séléné,' is a hauntingly beautiful piece that features a soaring vocal line and a shimmering piano accompaniment. The melody is reminiscent of a folk song, with a simple, repetitive structure that builds to a powerful climax. The final song, 'Vaisseaux, nous vous aurons aimés,' is a poignant and introspective piece that brings the cycle to a close. The piano accompaniment is gentle and understated, creating a sense of resignation and acceptance. The vocal line is tender and expressive, with a sense of longing and regret. Overall, 'L'horizon chimérique (4), Op. 118' is a masterful work that showcases Fauré's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the essence of the sea and the human experience. The cycle is characterized by its lyrical melodies, delicate piano accompaniments, and evocative imagery, making it a timeless masterpiece of French art song.

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