Francis Poulenc’s Les Soirées de Nazelles (1930-1936) : his inspirations
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Malgeum Kang (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- John Salmon
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore Francis Poulenc’s irreplaceable musical brilliance and distinction through his largest piano work, Les Soirées de Nazelles (1930-1936). To understand the styles and idioms in this work, it is essential to examine Paris’ flourishing culture in the early 20th century and the multitude of inspirations in his music. The “dazzling” piano as he called it, was the most intimate instrument to Poulenc and had the full capacity of expressing what he had in mind. Written in the 1930s, Les Soirées de Nazelles contains Poulenc’s cherished memories of his days in cultural Paris. In that bohemian and dynamic city, he enjoyed social and artistic gatherings with poets, painters, and famed musicians, as well as popular Parisian establishments, admiring singers, actors, and comedians. In the avant-garde movement of the period, Poulenc sought musical novelty and experimented with various musical ideas in a new artistic trend. He maintained his music in clear melodies and fresh harmonic palettes and adopted others’ materials if they expressed the feeling he wanted to exhibit. Poulenc’s open mind contributed to the musical diversity in Les Soirées de Nazelles, encompassing the French Baroque style and modern artistry. The distinctive frame of Les Soirées de Nazelles presents Poulenc’s musical “gallery” with a unique “hanging” of movements. Each variation is self-contained and spontaneous, filled with abundant memories and varied feelings. However, Poulenc creates unity with a cunning architecture above the unconventional variations and the outer pieces. He wanted his music to be pleasing, candid, and genuine, which is predominantly felt in Les Soirées de Nazelles, revealing his sensitivity and vulnerability.
Francis Poulenc’s Les Soirées de Nazelles (1930-1936) : his inspirations
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Created on 5/1/2022
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Dissertation
- Language: English
- Date: 2022
- Keywords
- Early 20th century piano music, Francis Poulenc, French composer, Les Six, Les Soirées de Nazelles, Piano Variations
- Subjects
- Poulenc, Francis, $d 1899-1963. $t Soire´es de Nazelles $x Analysis, appreciation