Composer

:

Francis Poulenc

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1946

Average_duration

:

1:13

Main dominée par le coeur, FP 135 is a song cycle composed by Francis Poulenc in 1953. The premiere of the work took place on May 5, 1954, in Paris, with the composer himself at the piano and the baritone Pierre Bernac as the soloist. The cycle consists of six songs, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first song, "Main dominée par le coeur" (Hand Dominated by the Heart), sets the tone for the entire cycle with its playful and whimsical melody. The second song, "Le matin les branches attisent" (In the Morning the Branches Stir), is a pastoral and serene piece that evokes the beauty of nature. The third song, "Le front comme un drapeau perdu" (The Forehead Like a Lost Flag), is a melancholic and introspective piece that explores themes of loss and regret. The fourth song, "Une roulotte couverte en tuiles" (A Covered Wagon with Tiles), is a lively and rhythmic piece that captures the spirit of a gypsy caravan. The fifth song, "A toutes brides" (At Full Gallop), is a fast-paced and energetic piece that celebrates the joy of life. The final song, "Je n'ai envie que de t'aimer" (I Only Want to Love You), is a tender and romantic piece that brings the cycle to a gentle and heartfelt conclusion. Throughout the cycle, Poulenc's music is characterized by its simplicity, clarity, and directness. The melodies are often diatonic and tonal, with occasional chromaticism and dissonance used for expressive effect. The piano accompaniment is spare and understated, providing a delicate and supportive framework for the vocal line. Overall, Main dominée par le coeur is a charming and delightful cycle that showcases Poulenc's gift for melody and his ability to capture a wide range of moods and emotions in his music.

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