Composer

:

Darius Milhaud

Genre

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1965

Average_duration

:

16:51

Darius Milhaud's 'Suite provençale, Op. 152b' is a composition for orchestra that was completed in 1959. The piece was premiered on January 22, 1960, by the Orchestre National de l'ORTF under the direction of Charles Munch. The suite consists of five movements, each of which is inspired by the music and culture of the Provence region in southern France. The first movement, 'Farandoulo di chatouno', is a lively dance that features a playful melody played by the woodwinds and strings. The second movement, 'Aubade', is a serene and peaceful piece that evokes the beauty of the Provencal countryside. The third movement, 'La Cigale', is a lively and energetic dance that features a prominent role for the percussion section. The fourth movement, 'Dis Alyscamps l'amo souspire', is a slow and mournful piece that is based on a poem by the Provencal troubadour Arnaut Daniel. The movement features a haunting melody played by the solo oboe, which is then taken up by the strings. The final movement, 'Lou Cabridan', is a lively dance that features a prominent role for the brass section. Overall, 'Suite provençale, Op. 152b' is a charming and evocative work that captures the spirit of the Provence region. Milhaud's use of folk melodies and rhythms, combined with his own unique harmonic language, creates a distinctive and memorable sound world. The suite is a testament to Milhaud's lifelong fascination with the music of his native France, and it remains a beloved work in the orchestral repertoire.

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