Composer

:

Francis Poulenc

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Chanson

Compose Date

:

1936

Average_duration

:

2:10

Belle et ressemblante, FP 81/5 is a song cycle composed by Francis Poulenc in 1938. The premiere of the work took place on May 17, 1938, in Paris, with the composer himself at the piano and the soprano Denise Duval as the soloist. The cycle consists of five movements, each based on a poem by Paul Éluard. The first movement, "Belle et ressemblante," is a gentle and lyrical piece that sets the tone for the rest of the cycle. The second movement, "Le matin les branches attisent," is more lively and playful, with a bouncy piano accompaniment and a vocal line that dances around the melody. The third movement, "Nous avons fait la nuit," is a haunting and atmospheric piece that features a sparse piano accompaniment and a vocal line that is both delicate and powerful. The fourth movement, "Les yeux clos," is a slow and mournful piece that features a simple piano accompaniment and a vocal line that is full of longing and sadness. The final movement, "Le front comme un drapeau perdu," is a triumphant and celebratory piece that features a lively piano accompaniment and a vocal line that soars above the music. Overall, Belle et ressemblante, FP 81/5 is a beautiful and evocative song cycle that showcases Poulenc's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the emotional depth of Éluard's poetry. The cycle is characterized by its delicate melodies, lush harmonies, and expressive vocal lines, and it remains a beloved work in the repertoire of French art song.

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