Composer

:

Gabriel Fauré

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

Sep 13, 1902

Publication Date

:

1902

Average_duration

:

2:15

Gabriel Fauré's "La fleur qui va sur l'eau, Op. 85/2" is a beautiful and delicate art song that was composed in 1894. It was premiered in Paris in the same year, with the composer himself accompanying the singer. The song is part of a collection of songs called "Cinq Mélodies de Venise" (Five Venetian Songs), which were inspired by Fauré's travels to Italy. "La fleur qui va sur l'eau" is the second song in the collection and is known for its gentle and flowing melody. The song is in the key of F major and has a simple and elegant piano accompaniment that supports the vocal line. The vocal melody is characterized by its smooth and lyrical phrasing, which is typical of Fauré's style. The song is also known for its use of chromaticism, which adds a sense of melancholy and longing to the music. The text of the song is a poem by Paul Verlaine, which tells the story of a flower that floats on the water and is carried away by the current. The flower is a metaphor for the fleeting nature of life and love, and the song captures this sentiment beautifully. The song is divided into three distinct sections, each with its own character and mood. The first section is slow and introspective, with the singer reflecting on the beauty of the flower. The second section is more animated and lively, as the singer describes the flower being carried away by the water. The final section returns to the introspective mood of the beginning, as the singer laments the loss of the flower. Overall, "La fleur qui va sur l'eau" is a beautiful and poignant art song that showcases Fauré's mastery of melody and harmony. Its delicate and flowing melody, combined with its melancholic text, make it a timeless classic of the art song repertoire.

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