Composer

:

Claude Debussy

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

1881

Average_duration

:

2:19

'Souhait, L. 11' is a solo piano piece composed by Claude Debussy in 1889. It was premiered on May 22, 1890, at the Société Nationale de Musique in Paris. The piece is divided into two movements, with a total duration of approximately six minutes. The first movement, marked "Assez lent" (quite slow), is characterized by its dreamy and ethereal quality. The opening chords are played softly and delicately, creating a sense of mystery and anticipation. The main theme is introduced in the right hand, with a flowing and lyrical melody that is accompanied by a simple, repetitive pattern in the left hand. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the melody becoming more complex and ornamented, before subsiding into a quiet and introspective coda. The second movement, marked "Très lent" (very slow), is more introspective and melancholic in character. The opening chords are played with a sense of resignation and sadness, and the main theme is introduced in the left hand, with a simple and mournful melody. The right hand provides a delicate and intricate accompaniment, with a series of arpeggios and trills that create a sense of movement and fluidity. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the melody becoming more complex and expressive, before subsiding into a quiet and contemplative coda. Overall, 'Souhait, L. 11' is a beautiful and evocative piece of music that showcases Debussy's mastery of harmony, melody, and texture. The piece is characterized by its delicate and nuanced use of dynamics, as well as its subtle shifts in mood and tone. It is a testament to Debussy's ability to create music that is both deeply emotional and intellectually stimulating, and it remains a beloved work in the piano repertoire to this day.

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