5.Crépuscule: Comme un rideau sous la blancheur

This, from Massenet's collection Poème pastoral, is one of his most delicate and understated songs, with, in the hands of the right performers, a haunting effect as insubstantial as the twilight that it describes.

The accompaniment is almost completely in the treble, and consists largely of light, quick arpeggios, separated by extended rests. The vocal part, with frequent chromaticisms, is equally understated, without any wide intervals, changes in dynamics, or even a distinctive melodic line.

Massenet later orchestrated it under the same title, for string orchestra and flute, violin, and cello.

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