Composer

:

Francis Poulenc

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1940

Average_duration

:

4:05

"Sanglots" is a song composed by Francis Poulenc in 1940, as part of his song cycle "Cinq poèmes de Paul Éluard" (Five Poems by Paul Éluard), also known as FP 107. The premiere of the song cycle took place on May 6, 1941, in Paris, with baritone Pierre Bernac and the composer at the piano. "Sanglots" is the fifth and final song of the cycle, and it is characterized by its melancholic and introspective mood. The poem by Paul Éluard speaks of the pain of separation and the longing for a lost love. Poulenc's music perfectly captures the emotional depth of the text, with its haunting harmonies and delicate melodies. The song is in ABA form, with the A sections featuring a slow and mournful melody, accompanied by a simple and repetitive piano figure. The B section is more agitated, with a faster tempo and a more complex piano accompaniment. The final A section returns to the original melody, but with a more subdued and resigned mood. One of the most striking features of "Sanglots" is Poulenc's use of dissonance and chromaticism to create a sense of emotional tension and ambiguity. The harmonies are often unresolved, and the melody frequently wanders into unexpected tonal areas. This creates a sense of unease and uncertainty that perfectly matches the poem's themes of loss and longing. Overall, "Sanglots" is a masterpiece of French art song, and a testament to Poulenc's skill as a composer. Its haunting melodies and evocative harmonies continue to captivate audiences today, more than 80 years after its composition.

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