Composer

:

Camille Saint-Saëns

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1880

Average_duration

:

4:28

"Une nuit à Lisbonne, Op. 63" is a symphonic poem composed by Camille Saint-Saëns in 1894. The piece was premiered on January 9, 1895, in Paris, conducted by the composer himself. The work is divided into three movements, each depicting a different aspect of Lisbon at night. The first movement, "Les Rues de Lisbonne" (The Streets of Lisbon), is a lively and bustling portrayal of the city's streets, with the orchestra evoking the sounds of people talking, horses trotting, and carriages rattling by. The second movement, "Le Fado" (The Fado), is a slow and mournful melody that represents the traditional Portuguese music style of the same name. The final movement, "La Fête populaire" (The Popular Festival), is a lively and energetic depiction of a festival in Lisbon, with the orchestra evoking the sounds of fireworks, dancing, and singing. Saint-Saëns' use of orchestration is particularly noteworthy in this piece. He employs a wide range of instruments, including the harp, celesta, and percussion, to create a rich and varied sound. The composer also makes use of Portuguese folk melodies and rhythms, adding an exotic flavor to the work. Overall, "Une nuit à Lisbonne, Op. 63" is a vibrant and colorful portrayal of the Portuguese capital at night. Saint-Saëns' skillful orchestration and use of folk music elements make this piece a unique and memorable addition to the symphonic poem genre.

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