Composer

:

Francis Poulenc

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1960

Average_duration

:

2:13

"Le sommeil" is a song composed by Francis Poulenc in 1937. It is the first movement of his song cycle "Cinq poèmes de Paul Éluard", which was premiered on May 4, 1938, in Paris. The cycle was written for voice and piano and is based on poems by the French surrealist poet Paul Éluard. "Le sommeil" is a hauntingly beautiful song that captures the dreamlike quality of sleep. The piano accompaniment is sparse and ethereal, with delicate arpeggios and shimmering chords that evoke the feeling of drifting off into slumber. The vocal line is equally dreamy, with long, sustained notes and a gentle, lulling melody that seems to float on the air. The lyrics of "Le sommeil" are simple and evocative, describing the peacefulness and tranquility of sleep. The first stanza reads: Le sommeil descend sur mes yeux Comme la neige sur les toits Le silence d'un monde heureux S'étend sur moi Translation: Sleep descends upon my eyes Like snow upon the rooftops The silence of a happy world Spreads over me The second stanza continues in the same vein, describing the feeling of being enveloped in a warm, comforting embrace: Je suis dans un lit de nuages Je suis bien dans un lit d'amour Je suis dans un lit de rivages Où la mer vient chaque jour Translation: I am in a bed of clouds I am well in a bed of love I am in a bed of shores Where the sea comes every day Overall, "Le sommeil" is a beautiful and evocative piece of music that captures the essence of sleep and dreams. Its delicate piano accompaniment and gentle vocal melody create a sense of peace and tranquility that is both soothing and enchanting.

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