Plaisir d’amour is structured like a typical classical, romantic song and the structure that is usually heard is the rondo form (ABACA). Section A of the piece is the main theme of the song, section B is the 2Nd theme which is pitched higher with longer phrases to convey the lyrics, then section A returns. Section C shifts to a gloomier mood, intended to create a more dramatic I tone where the lyrics symbolise the singer’s loss for her love. Lastly, section A returns to finish the song with the main theme showing a change in atmosphere (from sorrow to pleasure) which may represent a change in the singer’s mood as well. The structure (rondo form) may symbolise the singer’s journey through love and loss, section A being pleasure, section B representing longing, and C representing loss. Throughout the piece, Martini effectively uses the rondo form to express emotion that symbolise mood changes.
The pitch and tonality used in Plaisir d’amour play a key role in the development of mood and atmosphere expressed through the vocalist. The key of the piece is in E flat major and stays the same throughout the whole piece. The register is relatively small since it fits between a single octave, with the exception of a few notes. The melody is simple and sung stepwise. Bars 12 to 14 [shown below] is a good example of the stepwise melody the vocalist uses. Both the major key (E flat) and stepwise melody, even though are very simple, add a gentle, soft tonality that is easy to listen to. The accompaniment (piano), however, does not follow this pattern and uses broken chords (similar to arpeggios) to show contrast to the melody [shown below]. Altogether, even through a simplistic style of melody and heavily contrasted accompaniment, the composer effectively shows mood and atmosphere throughout Plaisir D’amour.
Overall, Jean Paul Egide Martini’s piece Plaisir D’amour undeniably aligned with the music of the classical period and romantic music (1730 – 1820) as it comprised of musical elements found during that era such as duration, structure, and pitch. Through the use of the musical elements of duration, structure and pitch, Martini created a piece of musical excellence that successfully conveys the emotions of love, longing, and loss.
Statement of intent:
The piece I performed was Plaisir d’amour written in 1784 by Jean-Paul-Égide Martini and sung by Greek singer Nana Mouskouri. The unit studied was classical and romantic period music and I chose to perform this song because it showcases many of the musical elements and explores different vocal techniques which are typical to the classical and romantic music. Another reason I chose this piece is because of its vocal range. The key that the piece was set in is rather high and I was planning on singing the lowered pitch version as it was difficult to reach some of the notes, but I took on the challenge to practice and attempt to increase my vocal range so that I can sing in the original key. The fact that the song is completely in French was another challenge I overcame. It did not take me too long to successfully learn them off by heart and perfect my pronunciation. Classical music is mostly written to be performed to be performed in concert halls and opera houses. Ideally, Plaisir d’amour was a difficult piece to perform and out of my comfort zone as I am used to singing pop/RNB songs usually. The piece required, good breath control to hold the long notes, a projective voice, and a wide vocal range.
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