Composer

:

Francis Poulenc

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Chanson

Compose Date

:

1945 - 1946

Average_duration

:

17:57

Movement_count

:

8

Movement ....

Francis Poulenc's 'Chansons françaises (8)', FP 130, is a song cycle composed in 1945. The premiere of the work took place on May 10, 1946, in Paris, with the composer himself at the piano and Pierre Bernac as the baritone soloist. The cycle consists of eight songs, each with its own unique character and style. The first song, 'La Blanche Neige', is a playful and lighthearted piece that tells the story of a young girl who falls in love with a prince. The second song, 'A peine défigurée', is a melancholic and introspective piece that explores the themes of aging and loss. The third song, 'Allons plus vite', is a lively and energetic piece that celebrates the joys of life and love. The fourth song, 'Fêtes galantes', is a nostalgic and romantic piece that evokes the elegance and refinement of the French aristocracy. The fifth song, 'Voyage à Paris', is a whimsical and humorous piece that captures the excitement and adventure of traveling to the city of love. The sixth song, 'Fleurettes', is a tender and delicate piece that expresses the beauty and fragility of nature. The seventh song, 'Paganini', is a virtuosic and dramatic piece that showcases the technical prowess of the soloist and the composer. The final song, 'Sanglots', is a haunting and poignant piece that explores the themes of grief and loss. Overall, 'Chansons françaises (8)' is a diverse and engaging song cycle that showcases Poulenc's mastery of melody, harmony, and form. The cycle is characterized by its lyrical beauty, emotional depth, and playful wit, and it remains a beloved and enduring work in the repertoire of French art song.

More....