Composer

:

Edgard Varèse

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1906

Publication Date

:

1913

Average_duration

:

2:48

"Un grand sommeil noir" is a song for voice and piano composed by Edgard Varèse in 1906. The piece premiered in Paris in 1907. The song is based on a poem by Paul Verlaine, which describes a dream in which the speaker is visited by a woman who is both beautiful and terrifying. The music reflects the dreamlike quality of the poem, with its shifting harmonies and ethereal vocal line. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which corresponds to a different section of the poem. The first movement begins with a slow, mournful piano introduction, which sets the mood for the piece. The vocal line enters with a simple melody, which gradually becomes more complex as the movement progresses. The harmonies are dissonant and unstable, reflecting the uncertainty and fear of the dream. The second movement is more agitated, with a faster tempo and more complex rhythms. The vocal line is more declamatory, with the singer expressing the terror and confusion of the dream. The piano accompaniment is more active, with rapid arpeggios and sudden shifts in dynamics. The final movement is slower and more contemplative, with a simple, lyrical melody. The harmonies are more stable, reflecting the resolution of the dream. The vocal line is more introspective, with the singer reflecting on the experience of the dream. Overall, "Un grand sommeil noir" is a haunting and evocative piece, which captures the mood and imagery of Verlaine's poem. The music is characterized by its shifting harmonies, complex rhythms, and ethereal vocal line, which create a dreamlike atmosphere. The piece is a testament to Varèse's early experimentation with new musical forms and techniques, which would later make him one of the most innovative composers of the 20th century.

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