Composer

:

Francis Poulenc

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Sarabande

Compose Date

:

1960

Average_duration

:

2:34

Francis Poulenc's 'Sarabande for guitar, FP 179' is a solo guitar piece composed in 1960. It was premiered by the French guitarist Ida Presti in Paris in the same year. The piece is a part of Poulenc's collection of solo guitar works, which he composed in the last years of his life. The 'Sarabande' is a slow and stately dance form that originated in Spain in the 16th century and became popular in France in the 17th century. Poulenc's 'Sarabande' is a modern interpretation of this dance form, with a distinct French flavor. The piece is in the key of E minor and has a melancholic and introspective character. The 'Sarabande' is divided into three sections, with the first and third sections being in the same tempo and the second section being faster. The first section is marked 'Lent' (slow) and is characterized by a simple and lyrical melody that is repeated with variations. The second section is marked 'Plus animé' (more animated) and is more virtuosic, with fast arpeggios and runs. The third section returns to the slow tempo of the first section and is marked 'Lent et expressif' (slow and expressive). It features a variation of the melody from the first section, with added ornamentation and a more elaborate accompaniment. The 'Sarabande' is a beautiful and haunting piece that showcases Poulenc's skill in writing for the guitar. It is a testament to his ability to create music that is both modern and timeless, and it remains a popular choice for guitarists today.

More....