Composer

:

Francis Poulenc

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1940

Average_duration

:

1:59

'Hôtel, FP 107/2' is a song cycle composed by Francis Poulenc in 1940. The premiere of the work took place on May 6, 1941, in Paris, with the composer himself at the piano and Pierre Bernac as the baritone soloist. The cycle consists of nine songs, each of which is based on a poem by Guillaume Apollinaire. The first movement, "Le Cheval," is a lively and playful song that describes a horse running through the countryside. The second movement, "Chambre," is a slow and melancholic song that describes a lonely hotel room. The third movement, "Voyage," is a fast and rhythmic song that describes a train journey through the night. The fourth movement, "Hôtel," is a slow and dreamy song that describes the atmosphere of a hotel lobby. The fifth movement, "Spectacle," is a lively and theatrical song that describes a circus performance. The sixth movement, "Phénomène," is a slow and mysterious song that describes a supernatural event. The seventh movement, "Intérieur," is a slow and introspective song that describes the thoughts and feelings of a person alone in their room. The eighth movement, "Voyage," is a fast and rhythmic song that describes a journey by boat. The final movement, "Fagnes de Wallonie," is a slow and melancholic song that describes the landscape of the Belgian Ardennes. The characteristics of 'Hôtel, FP 107/2' are typical of Poulenc's style, which is characterized by a combination of lyricism, wit, and irony. The songs are set in a variety of musical styles, ranging from playful and rhythmic to slow and introspective. The piano accompaniment is often sparse and understated, allowing the voice to take center stage. Overall, 'Hôtel, FP 107/2' is a beautiful and evocative song cycle that showcases Poulenc's mastery of the art song genre. Its combination of poetry and music creates a powerful emotional impact that is sure to resonate with audiences for years to come.

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