Hector Berlioz

Les Nuits d'Été

The song cycle Les Nuits d’été (Summer Nights) is a setting of six poems by composer Hector Berlioz' neighbor and friend, Théophile Gautier. The text deals in themes of love in all its facets, progressing from youthful innocence to loss and renewal. Originally composed in 1841 for solo vocalist and piano, Berlioz completed orchestration of each of the six songs in 1856. While regrettably neglected for many years, this song cycle was rediscovered in the 20th century and has become one of the composer's most popular works. The songs in the original keys are available from the publisher. Robert Sutherland has edited five of the songs in the cycle and has transposed each in multiple keys to expand the work to more vocalists. Songs completed by Robert Sutherland: 1. Villanelle (E, F, and G), 4. Absence (Db, D, Eb, and E), 5. Au Cimetière: Clair de lune (Bb, B, and C), and 6. L'lle inconnue (D, Eb, and E). A transposition of 2. Le Spectre de la rose to D and a transposition of 3. Sur les Lagunes to g minor is also available from the publisher. Au Cimetière: Clair de lune (At the Cemetery: Moonlight) is a lament after the death of a beloved, where the bereaved lover has visited the graveyard and is disturbed by a ghostly vision of the past lover. Instrumentation: 2.0.2.1: 0.0.0.0: Str (9-8-7-6-5 in set): Solo Voice (med. voice).