Composer

:

Guillaume Lekeu

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

3:58

Guillaume Lekeu's 'Poems (3) for voice and piano: No. 1, Sur une tombe' was composed in 1891, when the composer was only 17 years old. The piece was premiered in Brussels in 1892, and it is considered one of Lekeu's earliest works. The piece is divided into three movements, with the first movement being 'Sur une tombe' (On a Tomb). The text for the piece was written by the French poet Paul Verlaine, and it is a somber reflection on death and loss. The piano sets the mood with a mournful introduction, and the voice enters with a simple melody that is full of longing and sadness. The piano and voice intertwine throughout the piece, with the piano providing a rich harmonic backdrop for the voice to soar above. Lekeu's use of harmony in this piece is particularly noteworthy. He employs a variety of chromatic and modal harmonies that create a sense of tension and unease. The harmonies are often unexpected, and they add to the emotional impact of the piece. Lekeu also uses a variety of textures, with the piano sometimes providing a delicate accompaniment and at other times taking on a more prominent role. Overall, 'Sur une tombe' is a haunting and beautiful piece that showcases Lekeu's early talent as a composer. It is a testament to his ability to convey complex emotions through music, and it remains a beloved work in the repertoire of art song.

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