Composer

:

Francis Poulenc

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1939

Average_duration

:

1:42

Ce doux petit visage, FP 99 is a song cycle composed by Francis Poulenc in 1943. The premiere of the work took place on May 5, 1944, in Paris, with the composer himself at the piano and the baritone Pierre Bernac as the soloist. The cycle consists of four songs, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first song, "C'est ainsi que tu es," is a tender and affectionate declaration of love, with a simple and lyrical melody that is typical of Poulenc's style. The second song, "Priez pour paix," is a prayer for peace, with a hauntingly beautiful melody that is both melancholic and hopeful. The third song, "Banalités," is a set of three short poems by Guillaume Apollinaire, which Poulenc sets to music with great sensitivity and wit. The first poem, "Chanson d'Orkenise," is a nostalgic reminiscence of a lost love, with a wistful melody that is both poignant and playful. The second poem, "Hôtel," is a satirical portrait of a decadent society, with a jaunty and ironic melody that is full of wit and humor. The third poem, "Fagnes de Wallonie," is a pastoral idyll, with a gentle and lyrical melody that evokes the beauty of the Belgian countryside. The final song, "Voyage à Paris," is a joyful celebration of the city of Paris, with a lively and exuberant melody that captures the spirit of the city and its people. The song is full of colorful and evocative images of Parisian life, from the bustling streets and cafes to the romantic bridges and gardens. Overall, Ce doux petit visage is a work of great beauty and emotional depth, with a wide range of moods and styles that showcase Poulenc's versatility as a composer. The cycle is characterized by its simple and direct melodies, its sensitive and expressive harmonies, and its subtle and nuanced use of rhythm and texture. It is a masterpiece of French art song, and a testament to Poulenc's enduring legacy as one of the greatest composers of the 20th century.

More....