Viviane, Op. 5

Ernest Chausson (1855-1899) composed Viviane, Op. 5, in 1882 as a symphonic poem inspired by the Arthurian legend of the enchantress Viviane, also known as the Lady of the Lake. The music portrays Viviane’s enchantment of the knight Merlin. Premiered in Paris in 1883, Viviane was one of Chausson’s earliest orchestral successes and helped establish him as an important figure in French musical life during the late nineteenth century. Today, the work remains a compelling example of French Romantic orchestral writing. Instrumentation: 3(3rd d.Picc).2.2.3: 4.4.3.1: Timp.Perc(2-3): 2Hp: Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set). Reprint edition.