Composer

:

Gioachino Rossini

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

5:10

"Un sou. complainte à deux voix" is a vocal duet composed by Gioachino Rossini as part of his collection of piano pieces titled "Péchés de vieillesse, book 2" (Sins of Old Age, book 2). The collection was composed between 1857 and 1868, during Rossini's retirement from the world of opera. The duet was composed in 1864 and premiered in the same year. It consists of two movements, both of which are sung by two voices. The first movement is a slow and melancholic piece, while the second movement is more lively and playful. The duet is characterized by Rossini's signature style of vocal writing, which is characterized by its virtuosity and expressiveness. The vocal lines are highly ornamented and require a great deal of technical skill from the singers. The duet also features Rossini's use of chromaticism and unexpected harmonic shifts, which add to its emotional intensity. The lyrics of the duet are in French and tell the story of a couple who are struggling to make ends meet. They lament their poverty and express their desire for a better life. The duet is a poignant reflection on the struggles of everyday life and the human desire for happiness and fulfillment. Overall, "Un sou. complainte à deux voix" is a beautiful and moving vocal duet that showcases Rossini's mastery of vocal writing. Its emotional depth and technical complexity make it a challenging and rewarding piece for singers and listeners alike.

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