Composer

:

Francis Poulenc

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1960

Average_duration

:

2:34

"Lune d'avril" is a song composed by Francis Poulenc in 1938. It is the seventh song in his song cycle "Banalités," which was composed between 1938 and 1940. The premiere of "Banalités" took place on May 6, 1940, in Paris, with the composer himself at the piano. The song is in a slow tempo and is marked "Très calme et doux" (very calm and sweet). It is in the key of F major and is written for voice and piano. The text is by Guillaume Apollinaire, a French poet who was a friend and collaborator of Poulenc. The song is divided into two sections, each with its own distinct character. The first section is marked "Très calme" (very calm) and is characterized by a gentle, flowing melody in the piano accompaniment. The vocal line is also gentle and lyrical, with a sense of longing and nostalgia. The text speaks of the moon in April, which shines down on the earth and illuminates the night. The second section is marked "Plus animé" (more animated) and is more lively and playful than the first. The piano accompaniment is more rhythmic and syncopated, and the vocal line is more declamatory. The text speaks of the moon as a mischievous and playful creature, dancing in the sky and teasing the earth below. Overall, "Lune d'avril" is a beautiful and evocative song that captures the mood and imagery of Apollinaire's poetry. It is a testament to Poulenc's skill as a composer of art songs, and it remains a beloved work in the repertoire of French vocal music.

More....