Poulenc, Francis : Les soirees de Nazelles(Preambule, 8 Variations, Cadene, Final)
Work Overview
Composition Year：1930
Publication Year：1937
First Publisher：Durand
Instrumentation：Piano Solo
Genre：pieces
Total Playing Time：29 min 05 sec
Copyright：Under Copyright Protection
Commentary (1)
Author : Inada, Saeko
Last Updated: October 1, 2008
[Open]
Author : Inada, Saeko
A work dedicated to the memory of "Aunt Lénaard." Composition began in 1930 and was completed in 1936, the year after her death. The work as a whole consists of a Prelude, eight Variations, a Cadenza, and a Finale. The central eight variations are not variations based on a theme; rather, they were compiled from Poulenc's improvisations performed during his attendance at Aunt Lénaard's salon in Nazelles, and each is a musical "portrait" depicting the individuals present at that evening. They bear the following titles:
- Variation 1. Extreme Prudence
- Variation 2. Heart in Hand
- Variation 3. Frankness and Caution
- Variation 4. Further Reflection
- Variation 5. The Charm of Persuasion
- Variation 6. Self-Satisfaction
- Variation 7. The Taste of Misfortune
- Variation 8. The Alarm of Old Age
It should be noted that Virginie Lénaard, though referred to as "aunt," was not a blood relative of Poulenc. However, their families had a close relationship, and the fact that he purchased a house in Noizay in 1927, not far from her residence, indicates their intimate connection.
Movements (11)
La desinvolture et la discretion
Total Performance Time: 1 min 15 sec