One of the most haunting yet beautiful compositions I've ever heard. Oddly enough I first heard this music quite by accident. It was played over a video of nature scenes used by a television station as their sign-off-the-air program! I had to call the station the day after to find out both the name of the work and the composer. It seemed to express an inner longing about solitude and mortality that I can not then or now quite put into words.
I suspect I am not alone in this.
I soon found out from a musically attuned friend that it was a very popular piece with symphonies.
Faure (1845-1924) was a pupil of Camille Saint-Saens, and a teacher to Ravel, among many others.
According to Naxos. Com:
"Gabriel Faure took the rhythm for this piece from the slow, stately Spanish Court Dance known as a Pavane. It was originally composed for a small orchestra and an optional chorus, who sung about the romantic helplessness of men! Pavane was first performed in 1888, and three years later it was performed with dancers."
The art of Claude Monet needs no introduction.
goosebump city, yet so refreshing... you would love Isao Tomita's "Snowflakes Are Dancing". RCA Red Seal record from 1974... Look for it sometime, when you are haunting the record shops, maybe Powell's might have it ... I know they do books, no idea if they sell music.
ReplyDeleteThe album shows Mr. Tomita, in front of his synthesizers needed to do the songs, they sound no differently than an orchestra ... you would be in disbelief, if someone told you it was an orchestra, and hid the cover ...
Well thank you, blessings to you!!
You are batting .1000 this week with all these wonderful goodies!!
Thank you Doug, how better to start the day with wonderful music and a feast for the eyes!
ReplyDeleteA fine composer and brilliant artist, what a treat...
Cassandra
Thank you Catherine. I listened to some of Mr. Tomita's work back in the 70's. I will try to track down your recommendation.
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked it, Cassandra. I was happy (and lucky) to be able to find an evocative video to go along with the score.
ReplyDeleteHeart-grippingly beautiful music and video!!! I can almost hear words to it... it does speak to the soul, does it not? A yearning ...full of promise ... hopes, disappointments, and passion.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly does Christy. There are vocal versions of "Pavane" out there. I came across one CD release with Barbra Streisand doing a vocal with Leonard Bernstein conducting the New York Philharomic. Not words, rather Streisand vocalizing to the notes of the music...quite haunting. Here's the music with a fan video of edited Streisand photos:
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful! As I was listening I said to myself, "self, this sounds like Ravel on valium!" I would LOVE to see this danced!
ReplyDeleteThat's a wonderful way to put it, Roolee!
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