Composer

:

Francis Poulenc

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Chanson

Compose Date

:

1958

Average_duration

:

1:26

"Une chanson de porcelaine" (A Porcelain Song), FP 169, is a song cycle composed by Francis Poulenc in 1948. The work is based on a set of poems by Paul Éluard, a French surrealist poet and a close friend of Poulenc. The premiere of the work took place on May 5, 1949, in Paris, with the composer himself at the piano and the baritone Pierre Bernac as the soloist. The song cycle consists of four movements, each of which is a setting of a different Éluard poem. The first movement, "Le sommeil" (Sleep), is a gentle lullaby that features a simple, flowing melody and a delicate piano accompaniment. The second movement, "Priez pour paix" (Pray for Peace), is a more dramatic and intense piece that reflects the poem's plea for peace in a world torn apart by war. The third movement, "Unis la nuit" (United in the Night), is a hauntingly beautiful piece that features a soaring vocal line and a rich, expressive piano accompaniment. The final movement, "Tombeau" (Tomb), is a mournful and introspective piece that reflects on the transience of life and the inevitability of death. One of the most striking characteristics of "Une chanson de porcelaine" is its use of tonal ambiguity and dissonance. Poulenc's music often blurs the lines between major and minor tonalities, creating a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty that reflects the emotional complexity of Éluard's poetry. The piano accompaniment is also notable for its use of rich, colorful harmonies and unexpected rhythmic shifts, which add to the overall sense of emotional depth and complexity. Overall, "Une chanson de porcelaine" is a powerful and deeply moving work that showcases Poulenc's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the emotional essence of Éluard's poetry. Its premiere was met with critical acclaim, and it has since become a beloved and frequently performed work in the classical vocal repertoire.

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