Les nuits d'ete as a song cycle : an examination of the music and historical information in support of the work's performance as a cycle

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Authors
Baldwin, Erin J.
Advisor
Ballard, Jeffrey D.
Issue Date
2004
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (M.M.)
Department
School of Music
Other Identifiers
Abstract

This paper examines Hector Berlioz' Les Nuits d'Ete, a group of six songs which has been given the moniker of "collection" by some scholars and performers. This study argues that while the composer's original intent is uncertain, the songs lend themselves quite well to performance as a cycle. This conclusion may be reached after an examination of historical information surrounding the songs' composition, as well as by an analysis of the songs and texts themselves. First, it is known that Berlioz did not assume that all six of the songs would be sung by the same person, or even by the same voice part. Each of the six songs was dedicated to a different singer. He did, however, choose texts by the same poet, Theophile Gautier, and he set them at the same time. The songs were published together in 1841 under a single title, Les Nuits d'Ete. Based on this and other evidence, it would not seem to be against Berlioz' intentions for these songs to be performed as a cycle. With respect to the music itself, there are several qualities of the songs that unite them as one cycle. The first involves Berlioz' use of rhythm. While each song has unique rhythmic qualities, they have certain traits in common. Berlioz' use of tempo, dynamics, and melodic motives also connects the songs. Finally, the poems Berlioz chose have common themes, and they seem to have been carefully chosen to tell a complete story.