Composer

:

Francis Poulenc

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1956

Average_duration

:

2:05

"Dernier poème, FP 163" is a song cycle composed by Francis Poulenc in 1957. The premiere of the work was given by the baritone Pierre Bernac and the composer himself on the piano in Paris on May 22, 1957. The cycle consists of four movements, each of which sets a poem by a different poet. The first movement, "Le pont," sets a poem by Guillaume Apollinaire. It is a melancholic and introspective piece, with a slow and mournful melody that is accompanied by sparse piano chords. The second movement, "Le faune," sets a poem by Paul Valéry. It is a more lively and playful piece, with a fast and rhythmic melody that is accompanied by a lively piano accompaniment. The third movement, "Le voyage," sets a poem by Victor Hugo. It is a dramatic and intense piece, with a powerful and emotional melody that is accompanied by a rich and complex piano accompaniment. The final movement, "Spleen," sets a poem by Charles Baudelaire. It is a dark and brooding piece, with a slow and mournful melody that is accompanied by a sparse and haunting piano accompaniment. Overall, "Dernier poème, FP 163" is a deeply emotional and introspective work that showcases Poulenc's skill as a composer of art songs. The cycle is characterized by its rich harmonies, complex piano accompaniments, and expressive melodies, which combine to create a powerful and moving musical experience.

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