 Love is stronger than death. Long beforethe dramatic but legendary “Romeo and Juliette” (1530) made forever famous by Shakespeare, and then it was set to music by Bellini, Berlioz, Gounod, and Prokofiev, and others. The theme of two lovers preferring to die together inspite being separated had already been set in a song from 12th century, it was after performed by Dufay (15th century) and other polyphonists like Johannes Ockeghem and Josquin des Prez. Diferent variations of this theme are in many other famous songs like “Le Roi Renaud”, “Pierre de Grenoble”, and “La belle se sied au pied de la tour” (arranged by Francis Poulenc) and “Ne pleure pas Jeanette.” There are many verses which should be gathered in one, that’s why the arranger chose to make it up in several dialogues between male and female voices, to 2 or 3 parts equal voices, or some in unison, or even supported by a bourdon (lips closed or instrumental). There are several key changing to surprise the listener to avoid any monotony in this long lament. |
