Music TheoryPrint

Edward Elgar

Chanson de Nuit

Chanson de Nuit, Op. 15, No. 1, is a musical work composed by Edward Elgar for violin and piano, and later orchestrated by the composer. Its first publication was in 1897, though it is considered

Structure#

Andante, 4/4, G major \relative c’ \key g \major \time 4/4 d2._\markup \dynamic p \italic espress. e sostenuto (\downbow b4–)\upbow g2 a b2~( b8 c)\ g,! g’ fis8( e) fis– g– a2.( a,4–) a8\cresc( b)! d– fis– b4. b8– b2.(\upbow cis4) A performance will take around three and a half minutes.

Instrumentation#

Elgar scored Chanson de Nuit (and Chanson de Matin) for a small orchestra consisting of one flute, one oboe, two clarinets, one bassoon, two horns, the string section, and a harp.

Arrangements#

The work is most well known in its original form (Violin & Piano) and the composer’s orchestral version. Other noteworthy arrangements are for cello and piano, for viola and piano (both by the composer), and for organ by his friend A. Herbert Brewer.

Notable performances#

In 1976 Dominique Bagouet had his first great success with his performance of Chanson de Nuit, winning the Concours de Bagnolet.

Performances on video#

*Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra (amateur) cond. Gregg Martin - Orchestra

References#

    • *Score, Elgar: Chanson de Matin, Novello & Co., London, 1897, 1899.
      • Elgar Society website: Chansons de Matin et de Nuit
Composer
Edward Elgar