Composer

:

Francis Poulenc

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Waltz

Compose Date

:

1932

Average_duration

:

1:42

Francis Poulenc's 'Valse-improvisation sur le nom de Bach, FP 62' is a solo piano piece that was composed in 1932. The piece was premiered on January 22, 1933, by the composer himself at a concert in Paris. The piece is divided into three movements, with the first and third being in waltz time and the second being in a faster tempo. The first movement is marked "Assez lent" (quite slow) and is characterized by its lyrical and expressive melody. The second movement, marked "Très vite" (very fast), is a playful and virtuosic scherzo that showcases the pianist's technical abilities. The final movement, marked "Modéré" (moderate), returns to the waltz rhythm of the first movement and features a more subdued and introspective melody. The piece is based on a musical cryptogram, with the notes B-A-C-H (B flat, A, C, B natural) being used as the basis for the entire composition. Poulenc uses these notes in various ways throughout the piece, including as the opening melody of the first movement and as the basis for the harmonic progression in the second movement. Overall, 'Valse-improvisation sur le nom de Bach, FP 62' is a charming and inventive piece that showcases Poulenc's skill as a composer and pianist. Its use of a musical cryptogram adds an extra layer of interest for listeners and demonstrates Poulenc's cleverness and wit.

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