Composer

:

Ernest Chausson

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

1882

First Performance

:

1882

Average_duration

:

3:25

Ernest Chausson's 'Le Colibri, Op. 2/7' is a song for voice and piano, composed in 1882. The piece is part of a collection of seven songs titled 'Les Papillons', which were inspired by the poetry of Théophile Gautier. 'Le Colibri' is the seventh and final song in the collection. The piece premiered in Paris in 1884, with the composer himself accompanying the singer. It quickly became one of Chausson's most popular works, and has since been performed and recorded by numerous artists. The song is in the key of F major and is written in a simple ternary form. The first section is marked 'Andante', and features a gentle, flowing melody in the piano accompaniment. The vocal line is light and delicate, with the singer portraying the movements of a hummingbird as it flits from flower to flower. The second section is marked 'Allegretto', and features a more lively melody in the piano accompaniment. The vocal line becomes more animated, as the singer describes the hummingbird's rapid movements and the sound of its wings. One of the most notable characteristics of 'Le Colibri' is its use of word painting. Chausson's music perfectly captures the delicate movements of the hummingbird, with the piano accompaniment featuring trills and arpeggios that mimic the bird's flight. The vocal line is also full of intricate ornamentation, which adds to the overall sense of lightness and agility. Overall, 'Le Colibri' is a charming and whimsical piece that perfectly captures the beauty and grace of the hummingbird. Its popularity has endured for over a century, and it remains a beloved work in the repertoire of French art song.

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