Composer

:

Maurice Ravel

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1925 - 1926

Average_duration

:

3:56

"Il est doux" is the third movement of Maurice Ravel's "Chansons madécasses," a song cycle composed in 1925. The premiere of the work took place on May 6, 1926, in Paris, with the composer himself at the piano, and the performers were Madeleine Grey (soprano), Louis Fleury (flute), and Joseph Salmon (cello). The "Chansons madécasses" is a set of three songs for voice, flute, cello, and piano, based on poems by Evariste de Parny, a French poet who was fascinated by the culture of Madagascar. The cycle is characterized by its exoticism, as Ravel uses unusual scales, rhythms, and harmonies to evoke the atmosphere of the island. "Il est doux" is a slow and melancholic song, in which the narrator expresses his love for a woman who is far away. The flute and cello play a prominent role in the accompaniment, creating a delicate and dreamy atmosphere. The vocal line is lyrical and expressive, with long phrases and subtle nuances of dynamics and articulation. The song is in ternary form, with a central section that contrasts with the outer sections in mood and tempo. The central section is more agitated and passionate, with a faster tempo and a more complex rhythm. The flute and cello have virtuosic solos, while the piano provides a rhythmic and harmonic support. Overall, "Il est doux" is a beautiful and poignant song, which showcases Ravel's mastery of instrumental and vocal writing. The combination of exoticism and lyricism creates a unique and unforgettable musical experience.

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