Composer

:

Charles Gounod

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Publication Date

:

1866

Average_duration

:

2:57

"Tombez mes ailes!" is a vocal piece composed by Charles Gounod, a French composer, in 1859. The piece was premiered in Paris, France, on March 3, 1860, at the Théâtre Lyrique. It is a part of the opera "La Colombe," which is a two-act opera comique. The piece is a soprano aria, and it is sung by the character of Sylvie, who is the main female protagonist of the opera. The aria is a part of the second act of the opera, and it is sung when Sylvie is lamenting the loss of her lover, Horace, who has been kidnapped by pirates. The title of the piece, "Tombez mes ailes!," translates to "Fall, my wings!," which is a metaphor for Sylvie's despair and her desire to give up on life. The aria is composed in the key of G minor and has a slow and mournful tempo. It is divided into two sections, with the first section being in a minor key and the second section in a major key. The first section is characterized by a descending melody that reflects Sylvie's sadness and despair. The second section is more hopeful and uplifting, with a rising melody that reflects Sylvie's determination to find her lover. The piece is known for its beautiful melody and emotional depth. It showcases Gounod's skill in composing for the human voice, as the melody is both expressive and challenging for the soprano singer. The piece also features a simple orchestration, with a string section and a solo oboe accompanying the singer. Overall, "Tombez mes ailes!" is a beautiful and poignant aria that showcases Gounod's skill in composing for the human voice. Its emotional depth and expressive melody make it a beloved piece in the repertoire of French opera.

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