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Wieniawski’s Impressionism-inspired song L’heure exquise (The Exquisite Hour) encapsulates the composer’s nuance and sensitivity in writing for the voice. Expressive melodies are enhanced with delicate pianistic textures, amplifying Paul Verlaine’s original poem.
Régine Wieniawski (1879–1932), known professionally as Poldowski, was a Belgian-born composer and the daughter of violinist Henryk Wieniawski. Before adopting her pseudonym to distinguish herself from her father’s legacy, she published music under various names, which may have contributed to her work fading into obscurity over time. Although she is best known for her art songs, particularly settings of Paul Verlaine’s poetry, she also composed instrumental works. In 1912, Sir Henry Wood premiered her orchestral Nocturne at the Proms, which highlights her significant contribution to early 20th-century music.
Wieniawski’s Impressionism-inspired song L’heure exquise (The Exquisite Hour) encapsulates the composer’s nuance and sensitivity in writing for the voice. Expressive melodies are enhanced with delicate pianistic textures, amplifying Paul Verlaine’s original poem.
La lune blanche The silver moonlight
Luit dans les bois ; Glows in the wood;
De chaque branche And from each branch
Part une voix Sounds a voice
Sous la ramée… Through leafy sprays…Ô bien aimée O beloved
L’étang reflète The pool a deep,
Profond miroir Reflecting mirror
La silhouette That silhouettes
Du saule noir The black willowOù le vent pleure… Where moans the wind…
Rêvons, c’est l’heure It is time to dream.
Un vaste et tendre A vast and tender
Apaisement Sense of calm
Semble descendre Seems to descend
Du firmament From the starry skies
Que l’astre irise… Of heaven…C’est l’heure exquise O, wondrous hour!
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Duration | 4' |
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ISMN | 979-0-708225-19-5 |