(1) In the 18th and 19th centuries the barcarole inspired a considerable number of vocal and instrumental compositions, ranging from opera arias to character pieces for piano.(2) The gondolier's song, the barcarole , moves-like all music-in time; but also on the boat and water from which it is originally sung.(3) The name alludes to the Barcarole aria-a Venetian boat song-from Jacques Offenbach's opera, Les Contes d'Hoffmann.(4) A barcarolle is characterized by a rhythm reminiscent of the gondolier's stroke, almost invariably a moderate tempo 6/8 meter.(5) While most of the pieces are quite brilliant and therefore frequently found on recital programs, one should not ignore the only lyrical piece in the collection, Pastorale, a lovely, flowing piece in the style of a barcarolle .(6) This boat song, a barcarolle of tender grace, gently rocks with the gondola in the meandering waterways.
