Composer

:

Francis Poulenc

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1960

Average_duration

:

9:59

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

La courte paille, FP 178 is a song cycle composed by Francis Poulenc in 1960. The premiere of the work took place on January 5, 1961, in Paris, with the composer himself at the piano and Denise Duval as the vocalist. The cycle consists of seven songs, each based on a poem by the French surrealist writer Maurice Carême. The first song, "Le sommeil," is a lullaby that begins with a gentle and soothing melody, gradually building up to a climax before returning to a peaceful ending. The second song, "Quelle aventure!," is a playful and humorous piece that tells the story of a mischievous little girl who gets into all sorts of trouble. The third song, "La reine de cœur," is a waltz-like piece that describes a queen of hearts who rules over a kingdom of love. The fourth song, "Ba, be, bi, bo, bu," is a vocal exercise that showcases Poulenc's skill in setting text to music. The fifth song, "Les anges musiciens," is a serene and ethereal piece that describes a heavenly choir of angels singing in harmony. The sixth song, "Le carafon," is a lively and rhythmic piece that tells the story of a little carafe that dances on the table. The final song, "Lune d'Avril," is a melancholic and nostalgic piece that describes the beauty of a moonlit night in April. The cycle ends with a gentle and peaceful melody that fades away into silence. Overall, La courte paille, FP 178 is a charming and delightful work that showcases Poulenc's skill in setting text to music. The cycle is characterized by its playful and whimsical nature, as well as its use of simple and catchy melodies. The work is a testament to Poulenc's ability to create music that is both accessible and sophisticated, and it remains a popular choice for vocalists and pianists alike.

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