Composer

:

Francis Poulenc

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1934

Average_duration

:

1:13

La tragique histoire du petit René, FP 75/1 is a chamber opera composed by Francis Poulenc in 1926. The opera premiered on May 18, 1926, at the Salle Gaveau in Paris. The libretto was written by Max Jacob, a French poet, and friend of Poulenc. The opera is divided into three movements. The first movement, titled "Le petit René", introduces the main character, a young boy named René. René is a mischievous child who loves to play pranks on his family and friends. However, his behavior becomes increasingly erratic, and he begins to have violent outbursts. The second movement, titled "La visite du docteur", sees René's parents calling in a doctor to examine their son. The doctor diagnoses René with a mental illness and recommends that he be institutionalized. René's parents are devastated by the news and struggle to come to terms with their son's condition. The final movement, titled "La mort de René", sees René's condition deteriorating rapidly. He becomes increasingly violent and is eventually killed in a tragic accident. The opera ends with René's parents mourning the loss of their son. La tragique histoire du petit René is characterized by Poulenc's use of dissonant harmonies and angular melodies. The music is often jarring and unsettling, reflecting the turmoil and tragedy of René's story. Poulenc also incorporates elements of French cabaret music, adding a touch of irony and humor to the opera. Overall, La tragique histoire du petit René is a powerful and emotionally charged work that explores the devastating effects of mental illness on a young boy and his family.

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