Composer

:

Francis Poulenc

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1934

Average_duration

:

1:48

"Le petit garçon trop bien portant" is a song cycle composed by Francis Poulenc in 1925. The premiere of the work took place on May 5, 1926, in Paris, with the composer himself at the piano and the baritone Pierre Bernac as the soloist. The cycle consists of five movements, each based on a poem by Guillaume Apollinaire. The first movement, "Le petit garçon trop bien portant," tells the story of a young boy who is so healthy that he becomes bored with life. The second movement, "Le hérisson," is a playful and whimsical piece about a hedgehog. The third movement, "La rose et le réséda," is a poignant reflection on love and war. The fourth movement, "Le carafon," is a humorous and lighthearted piece about a small carafe. The final movement, "L'écrevisse," is a lively and energetic piece about a crayfish. Poulenc's music in "Le petit garçon trop bien portant" is characterized by its simplicity and clarity. The piano accompaniment is sparse and understated, allowing the vocal line to take center stage. The vocal melodies are often angular and disjunct, reflecting the fragmented nature of Apollinaire's poetry. Poulenc also makes use of unusual harmonies and tonalities, adding to the sense of whimsy and playfulness in the music. Overall, "Le petit garçon trop bien portant" is a charming and delightful work that showcases Poulenc's unique style and his ability to capture the essence of Apollinaire's poetry in music.

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