Three song cycles of Jacques Leguerney: Examples of his significantcontribution to the French melodie tradition

Abstract

This study focuses upon three song cycles by Jacques Leguerney (1906-1997), whose importance as a composer and a contributor to the French melodie tradition has gained increasing recognition. The three cycles to be considered, La Solitude, La Nuit, and Le Carnaval come from his maturity and exemplify his mastery as a composer. The study highlights important influences that were present in his musical development and his musical associations. The study compares and contrasts Leguerney's approach to text-setting in these song cycles with comparable melodies written by French contemporaries. Moreover, it considers topics such as vocal range, passaggi, and vowel setting, and illuminates Leguerney's remarkable ability to compose for the baritone voice in his songs composed for that voice type.