Barcarolle

Romantic works

Definition

A piece in 6/8 or 12/8 meter evoking the rocking motion of a Venetian gondola song. Typically gentle and lyrical with a lilting accompaniment.

Historical Context

The barcarolle was popularized by Venetian gondoliers and entered art music via opera (Offenbach's Tales of Hoffmann). Chopin's single Barcarolle (Op. 60) is the supreme piano example — expansive, harmonically adventurous, and deeply operatic in character.

Works (25)

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