Composer

:

Ernest Chausson

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1898

Average_duration

:

9:07

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

Ernest Chausson's 'Poèmes (2) de Verlaine, Op. 34' is a song cycle composed for voice and piano. The cycle consists of two movements, each setting a poem by the French poet Paul Verlaine. The first movement, "La bonne chanson," was composed in 1892, while the second movement, "Les papillons," was composed in 1896. The cycle was premiered in Paris in 1896, with the composer accompanying the singer. The first movement, "La bonne chanson," is a setting of Verlaine's poem of the same name. The poem is a love song, expressing the joy and beauty of being in love. Chausson's setting is characterized by its lush harmonies and flowing melodies, which capture the romantic spirit of the poem. The piano accompaniment is particularly notable for its use of arpeggios and rolling chords, which create a sense of movement and momentum. The second movement, "Les papillons," is a setting of Verlaine's poem about butterflies. The poem is a meditation on the fleeting nature of beauty and the transience of life. Chausson's setting is more subdued than the first movement, with a simpler piano accompaniment and a more restrained vocal line. The harmonies are still rich and expressive, however, and the overall effect is one of wistful melancholy. Overall, Chausson's 'Poèmes (2) de Verlaine, Op. 34' is a beautiful and evocative song cycle that captures the essence of Verlaine's poetry. The lush harmonies and flowing melodies of the first movement contrast with the more subdued and introspective second movement, creating a sense of emotional depth and complexity. The cycle is a testament to Chausson's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the nuances of poetry in music.

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