Composer

:

Matthijs Vermeulen

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1962

Average_duration

:

4:46

Matthijs Vermeulen's 'Chants d'amour (3), No. 1 Dernier poème' is a composition for voice and piano that was composed in 1938. The piece was premiered on May 17, 1939, in Amsterdam, with the composer's wife, Annie Vermeulen-van Hengst, as the vocalist. The composition is part of a set of three songs that Vermeulen composed under the title 'Chants d'amour.' The first song, 'Dernier poème,' is a setting of a poem by Paul Verlaine. The poem speaks of the end of a love affair and the pain that comes with it. Vermeulen's music captures the melancholic mood of the poem with its slow tempo and mournful harmonies. The piece is divided into three sections, each with its own distinct character. The first section begins with a simple piano introduction that sets the mood for the piece. The vocalist enters with a long, sustained note that sets the tone for the rest of the song. The melody is simple and understated, allowing the words of the poem to take center stage. The second section of the piece is more complex, with the piano taking on a more prominent role. The melody becomes more intricate, with the vocalist singing a series of descending phrases that add to the sense of sadness and loss. The piano accompaniment is also more active, with arpeggios and chromatic harmonies that add to the emotional intensity of the piece. The final section of the piece returns to the simplicity of the opening, with the vocalist singing a final, plaintive phrase that brings the song to a close. The piano accompaniment is sparse, with a few simple chords that provide a sense of resolution. Overall, Vermeulen's 'Chants d'amour (3), No. 1 Dernier poème' is a hauntingly beautiful composition that captures the pain and sadness of lost love. The piece is characterized by its simple melodies, mournful harmonies, and understated piano accompaniment. It is a testament to Vermeulen's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the essence of a poem in music.

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