Poet: Arthur Rimbaud (1854-1891)
Source: Les Illuminations
Date of Composition: 1939 (Mar. – Oct. 25)
Publication: Boosey & Hawkes, 1944
Voice Difficulty Level: Moderate
Subject: I hold the key to the savage parade.
Range: B4 – E5
Tessitura: E5
Tempo: Maestoso (poco presto); 4/4
Duration: 01:49
Vocal Characteristics: Repeated E5
Piano Difficulty Level: Difficult
Accompaniment Characteristics: Piano transcription by the composer; many tremolos; instrumental lines that come out of the orchestral texture;
Additional Comments: As this piece would likely never be performed outside of the context of this cycle the voice level of this piece does not reflect what the cycle would require.