Composer

:

Francis Poulenc

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Compose Date

:

1938

Average_duration

:

3:27

Tristis est anima mea, FP 97/4 is a sacred choral work composed by Francis Poulenc in 1956. The piece is part of a larger work called Quatre motets pour un temps de pénitence (Four Motets for a Time of Penitence), which was commissioned by the French radio station Radiodiffusion-Télévision Française. The premiere of the work took place on March 21, 1956, in Paris, France. Tristis est anima mea is the second movement of the motet cycle and is based on a text from the Gospel of Matthew (26:38-39). The text describes Jesus' agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, where he prays to God to take away the cup of suffering that he must drink. The title of the piece translates to "My soul is sorrowful" and reflects the somber and introspective nature of the text. The piece is written for four-part mixed choir a cappella and is characterized by Poulenc's signature style of combining traditional harmonies with modern dissonances. The opening of the piece features a haunting melody sung by the altos, which is then echoed by the other voices. The harmonies are often tense and unresolved, reflecting the emotional turmoil of the text. The middle section of the piece features a solo soprano singing the text "Pater, si possibile est, transeat a me calix iste" ("Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me"). The soprano's voice soars above the choir, adding a sense of urgency and desperation to the music. The final section of the piece returns to the opening melody, but with a sense of resignation and acceptance. The harmonies become more consonant, reflecting the idea that Jesus has accepted his fate and is ready to face his suffering. Overall, Tristis est anima mea is a powerful and emotional work that showcases Poulenc's ability to combine traditional choral techniques with modern harmonies and dissonances. The piece is a testament to Poulenc's deep faith and his ability to express complex emotions through music.

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