Sheet Music: I Dreamt that I Dwelt in Marble Halls

TitleI Dreamt that I Dwelt in Marble Halls
from The Bohemain Girl
ComposerMichael William Balfe (1808–1870)
InstrumentationFlute and Piano
KeyE-flat major
RangeEb4–G5
Time signature3/8
Tempo88 BPM
Performance time3:45
Difficulty levelintermediate
Download printable scorePDF Sheet Music (151 kB) (preview)
Download audio tracksMIDI (change tempo/key) MP3 (3.1 MB)
Play-along accompanimentMIDI (change tempo/key) MP3 (3.1 MB)
Date added2011-01-15
Last updated2011-01-15
Download popularity index☆☆☆☆☆ 0.3 (not so popular)
Categories
Arias, Opera excerpts, Romantic

Performances

  • Erin — Solo flute.

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Saturday 15 January 2011

Tune of the Day: I Dreamt that I Dwelt in Marble Halls

from “The Bohemian Girl”, arranged for Flute and Piano

The opera The Bohemian Girl was written in 1843 by Irish composer Michael William Balfe. “I Dreamt that I Dwelt in Marble Halls”, an aria from Act II, is undoubtedly the best-known number from the work; in it, the main character, Arline, describes her vague memories of her childhood.

The aria is cited in James Joyce's novel Finnegan's Wake, as well as in the short story Clay from Dubliners, in which the character Maria sings some lines of the song. The piece was very popular in the second half of the 19th century, but also has many modern incarnations. It has been recorded by many artists, most famously by Joan Sutherland, and also by Norwegian soprano Sissel Kyrkjebø and Irish vocalist Enya.

Thanks to Lou for suggesting this aria!