Composer

:

Gabriel Fauré

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1875

Publication Date

:

1890

Average_duration

:

4:09

Gabriel Fauré's 'Les Djinns, Op. 12' is a symphonic poem for piano and orchestra, composed in 1884. It was premiered on January 22, 1885, at the Société Nationale de Musique in Paris, with Fauré himself as the soloist and Édouard Colonne conducting. The piece is inspired by the poem 'Les Djinns' by Victor Hugo, which describes the haunting and terrifying presence of the supernatural beings known as djinns. Fauré's music captures the eerie and mysterious atmosphere of the poem, with its shifting harmonies, ominous rhythms, and evocative orchestration. The piece is divided into three main sections, each of which corresponds to a different part of the poem. The first section begins with a slow, ominous introduction, featuring low strings and brass, which gradually builds in intensity as the piano enters with a series of rapid arpeggios. The music becomes increasingly frenzied and dissonant, as if depicting the chaotic and terrifying presence of the djinns. The second section is more lyrical and introspective, with the piano playing a haunting melody over a shimmering orchestral accompaniment. This section represents the narrator's contemplation of the djinns and their power over humanity. The final section returns to the frenzied energy of the opening, with the piano and orchestra engaging in a fierce battle of virtuosity. The music reaches a climax of intensity before abruptly ending with a final, ominous chord. Overall, 'Les Djinns' is a powerful and evocative work that showcases Fauré's skill as a composer and pianist. Its vivid depiction of the supernatural world of the djinns has made it a popular and enduring piece in the repertoire of both piano and orchestral music.

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