Sheet Music: Plaisir d'amour

TitlePlaisir d'amour
Alternate titlesPiacer d'amor
Can't Help Falling in Love
ComposerJean Paul Martini (1741–1816)
InstrumentationFlute and Piano
KeyE-flat major
RangeBb4–F6
Time signature6/8
Tempo46 BPM
Performance time2:45
Difficulty levelintermediate
Download printable scorePDF Sheet Music (142 kB) (preview)
Download audio tracksMIDI (change tempo/key) MP3 (2.3 MB)
Play-along accompanimentMIDI (change tempo/key) MP3 (2.3 MB)
Date added2009-09-22
Last updated2009-09-22
Download popularity index☆☆☆☆☆ 1.1 (average)
Categories
Classical, Love songs

Performances

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Tuesday 22 September 2009

Tune of the Day: Plaisir d'amour

Classical French love song by Jean Paul Martini

This song was originally written in 1780 by Jean Paul Égide Martini. Sometimes known as Martini Il Tedesco (Italian for “Martini the German”), Martini was born Johann Paul Aegidius Schwarzendorf in Freystadt, Germany. He adopted the family name Martini after moving to France, where he established a successful career as a court musician. He is sometimes referred to as Giovanni Martini, which has resulted in a confusion with Giovanni Battista Martini, particularly with regard to the composition of “Plaisir d'Amour”.

This vocal romance became quite popular, and was later arranged for orchestra by Hector Berlioz. Notable interpretations of the song include those of Joan Baez, Brigitte Bardot, Karen Allyson, and Charlotte Church. Although it has recently been adapted as a piece of pop music, most people don't realize that it was written in a classical style during the classical period.

The melody was reused for the popular 1961 song “Can't Help Falling in Love”, performed by Elvis Presley in the film Blue Hawaii.