Composer

:

Francis Poulenc

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1943

Average_duration

:

2:27

'C'est ainsi que tu es, FP 121/2' is a song composed by Francis Poulenc in 1945. It was premiered on May 10, 1945, in Paris, France, by the French baritone Pierre Bernac and the composer himself on the piano. The song is part of a larger collection of songs called 'La Fraîcheur et le Feu' (Freshness and Fire), which was composed between 1940 and 1947. 'C'est ainsi que tu es' is the second movement of the song cycle and is based on a poem by Paul Éluard. The poem is a love letter to Éluard's wife, Nusch, and describes her beauty and the depth of their love. Poulenc's setting of the poem captures the tenderness and intimacy of the text, with a simple and lyrical melody that is supported by a delicate piano accompaniment. The song begins with a gentle and flowing piano introduction that sets the mood for the piece. The baritone enters with the first line of the poem, singing in a soft and intimate tone. The melody is simple and understated, allowing the beauty of the text to shine through. The piano accompaniment is equally delicate, with gentle arpeggios and subtle harmonies that support the vocal line without overpowering it. As the song progresses, the melody becomes more expressive, with subtle shifts in dynamics and phrasing that reflect the emotional depth of the text. The piano accompaniment also becomes more complex, with intricate figurations and harmonies that add depth and richness to the music. Overall, 'C'est ainsi que tu es' is a beautiful and intimate song that captures the essence of Éluard's poem. Poulenc's setting is simple and understated, allowing the beauty of the text to shine through. The melody is lyrical and expressive, with a delicate piano accompaniment that adds depth and richness to the music.

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