French Song from Berlioz to Duparc: The Origin and Development of the Mélodie

Article number 10219763

This scholarly study examines the origins and development of the nineteenth-century French art song known as the mélodie, tracing its evolution through composers such as Berlioz, Liszt, Bizet, Saint-Saëns, Franck, Fauré, and Duparc. The work analyzes musical structure, style, prosody, accompaniment, and harmonic language, while also exploring literary and cultural influences on the genre. Particular attention is given to the transition from earlier vocal traditions toward the mature French mélodie, with extensive musical examples and commentary intended for musicologists, singers, and students of vocal music.