Barcarolle

"Belle nuit, ô nuit d'amour" (often referred to as the "Barcarolle") is a piece from The Tales of Hoffmann, Jacques Offenbach's final opera. The text, concerning the beauty of the night and of love, is by Jules Barbier. "Belle nuit" is in the 6/8 time signature characteristic of barcarolles, allegretto moderato. Approximately a minute of musical introduction occurs before the melody appears, although a flute accompaniment figure which suggests the melody, suspending time and creating anticipation for the melody before it begins, is played throughout the piece.