Composer

:

Francis Poulenc

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1948

Average_duration

:

10:46

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

Calligrammes, FP 140 is a song cycle composed by Francis Poulenc in 1948. The work is based on a collection of poems by Guillaume Apollinaire, a French poet who was a leading figure in the avant-garde movement. The premiere of Calligrammes took place on May 6, 1949, in Paris, with baritone Pierre Bernac and pianist Francis Poulenc performing. The song cycle consists of twelve movements, each based on a different poem by Apollinaire. The poems are characterized by their visual layout on the page, with words arranged in shapes that reflect the meaning of the text. Poulenc's music captures the whimsical and playful nature of Apollinaire's poetry, with a variety of musical styles and moods. The first movement, "La Blanche Neige," is a lively and rhythmic setting of a poem about snow. The second movement, "Carte Postale," is a wistful and nostalgic piece that evokes the feeling of receiving a postcard from a distant friend. The third movement, "L'Espionne," is a playful and mischievous song about a spy. The fourth movement, "Mutation," is a haunting and atmospheric piece that explores the theme of transformation. The fifth movement, "Vers le Sud," is a lively and rhythmic song about traveling south. The sixth movement, "Il Pleut," is a melancholy and introspective piece that captures the mood of a rainy day. The seventh movement, "Lune d'Avril," is a dreamy and romantic song about the moon in April. The eighth movement, "Paris," is a lively and energetic piece that celebrates the city of Paris. The ninth movement, "A toutes brides," is a fast-paced and exciting song about riding a horse. The tenth movement, "Voyage," is a contemplative and introspective piece that explores the theme of travel. The eleventh movement, "Adieu," is a poignant and emotional song about saying goodbye. The final movement, "Spleen," is a dark and brooding piece that captures the mood of melancholy and despair. Overall, Calligrammes, FP 140 is a masterful work that showcases Poulenc's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the essence of Apollinaire's poetry. The work is characterized by its variety of musical styles and moods, as well as its playful and whimsical nature.

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