Composer

:

Hector Berlioz

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

before Dec 1833

Average_duration

:

4:17

"Le Jeune Pâtre breton" is a song composed by Hector Berlioz in 1830. It is part of his song cycle "Les Nuits d'été" (Summer Nights), Op. 7, which consists of six songs for voice and piano. The song was later orchestrated by Berlioz and included in his "Tristia" collection as Op. 13/4. The premiere of "Le Jeune Pâtre breton" took place in Paris in 1841, with the composer's sister, Nancy Berlioz, as the soloist. The song is in the key of G major and has a moderate tempo. It is written for a solo voice and piano, with the orchestral version featuring strings, woodwinds, and horns. The song is divided into two sections, with the first section being in a slow and melancholic tempo. The second section is faster and more lively, with a dance-like rhythm. The lyrics, written by Théophile Gautier, tell the story of a young Breton shepherd who falls in love with a beautiful girl but is unable to win her heart. The music of "Le Jeune Pâtre breton" is characterized by its use of folk melodies and rhythms, which were a hallmark of Berlioz's style. The song features a simple and lyrical melody, with the piano or orchestra providing a gentle accompaniment. The orchestration is delicate and transparent, with the strings and woodwinds providing a soft and subtle background to the solo voice. Overall, "Le Jeune Pâtre breton" is a beautiful and poignant song that showcases Berlioz's skill as a composer of vocal music. Its simple melody and delicate orchestration capture the melancholic mood of the lyrics, making it a favorite among singers and audiences alike.

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