Composer

:

Francis Poulenc

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1960

Average_duration

:

2:25

"La reine de coeur, FP 178/3" is a song cycle composed by Francis Poulenc in 1942. The premiere of the work took place on May 5, 1943, in Paris, with the composer himself at the piano and Denise Duval as the soprano soloist. The cycle consists of six songs, each based on a poem by Louise de Vilmorin. The first movement, "Le matin les branches attisent," is a lively and playful song that sets the tone for the rest of the cycle. The second movement, "La dame d'André," is a more introspective and melancholic piece, with a haunting melody and sparse accompaniment. The third movement, "Le garçon de Liège," is a lively and rhythmic song, with a jaunty melody and a playful piano accompaniment. The fourth movement, "La reine de coeur," is the centerpiece of the cycle. It is a dramatic and intense song, with a soaring melody and a richly textured piano accompaniment. The fifth movement, "Le départ," is a poignant and melancholic piece, with a simple and haunting melody and a sparse accompaniment. The final movement, "Les chemins de l'amour," is a joyful and celebratory song, with a lively and upbeat melody and a playful piano accompaniment. Overall, "La reine de coeur, FP 178/3" is a beautiful and evocative song cycle, with a wide range of moods and emotions. Poulenc's music perfectly captures the spirit of Vilmorin's poetry, creating a rich and complex tapestry of sound that is both deeply moving and highly entertaining.

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