Composer

:

Reynaldo Hahn

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

2:09

Reynaldo Hahn's "Aimons-nous!" is a song cycle composed in 1907. It premiered in Paris in the same year, with Hahn himself accompanying the singer. The cycle consists of six movements, each of which is a setting of a poem by a different French poet. The first movement, "L'heure exquise," sets a poem by Paul Verlaine. It is a gentle and lyrical piece, with a flowing piano accompaniment that supports the soaring vocal line. The second movement, "Offrande," sets a poem by Théodore de Banville. It is a more dramatic piece, with a more complex piano accompaniment that alternates between flowing arpeggios and more staccato chords. The third movement, "Si mes vers avaient des ailes," sets a poem by Victor Hugo. It is a light and playful piece, with a bouncy piano accompaniment that supports the playful vocal line. The fourth movement, "Venez, divin Messie," sets a poem by Charles-Marie-René Leconte de Lisle. It is a more solemn piece, with a slower tempo and a more contemplative vocal line. The fifth movement, "Dans la nuit," sets a poem by Armand Silvestre. It is a haunting and atmospheric piece, with a sparse piano accompaniment that creates a sense of mystery and unease. The final movement, "Fêtes galantes," sets a poem by Paul Verlaine. It is a lively and joyful piece, with a fast-paced piano accompaniment that supports the energetic vocal line. Overall, "Aimons-nous!" is a beautiful and varied song cycle that showcases Hahn's skill as a composer and his ability to set a wide range of poetic styles. The cycle is characterized by its lyrical melodies, flowing piano accompaniments, and expressive vocal lines, which combine to create a rich and evocative musical experience.

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