Concert champêtre

The Concert champêtre FP 49, is a harpsichord concerto by French composer Francis Poulenc.

Formation

The work was written from 1927 to 1928 and was written for the Polish harpsichordist Wanda Landowska and pianist, whom he had met at his patron Princess Edmond de Polignac. Poulenc had previously been employed at the suggestion of Nadia Boulanger with the works of the old masters, which awoke in him the idea to write a concerto for the harpsichord. This was a ungebräuchliches since the Baroque instrument for solo concerts since since Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the successor instrument piano had become the determining and current instrument for solo concerts. In a way, the concert pays tribute to the French Baroque composers Louis Couperin dar.

About the Music

1st movement: Allegro molto

The movement begins with a chord progression in the orchestra, which is answered by the horns. Then the harpsichord begins with some dissonant chords, which is highly unusual for the usual harpsichord sound from the Baroque period. After this slow movement beginning, the harpsichord is a sharply - hilarious topic in the Baroque ductus before: this is accompanied shortly thereafter by the orchestra with modern harmony, thus resulting in an unusual and interesting sound. Also, this passage is soon over and the sentence is continued by a fanfare of trumpets motif. The harpsichord responds with some rhythmic chords shifted and developed from the fanfare motif a Chaconnethema in the style of Couperin. Poulenc presents in this free-form sentence before other topics of different characters before the joyous main theme is heard again.

2nd movement: Andante

The main theme of the Andante recalls, as well as the Larghetto from Concerto for two pianos of Mozart. The delicate issue is presented in the orchestra and plays around solemnly from the harpsichord with its recurrence. A violent bang interrupts the lyrical mood. The harpsichord solo responds with a unison motive, which is accompanied shortly thereafter by the flutes. This results in the return of the main theme that is heard now even in major developed.

3rd movement: Finale

The final movement is opened by the harpsichord solo. You will hear a baroque dance, which is taken shortly after the orchestra. Quickly, a moving and excited bustle, which is enriched by a contemporary harmonies developed. Many tempo changes are characteristic for the set. In the middle of the sentence, the opening motif of the first movement reappears, which is complemented by an uneasy chord motif. The movement ends in the piano of the harpsichord.

Effect

Poulenc wrote a fresh, glamorous and sassy in a way, working with the Harpsichord Concerto. The unusual for works of the 20th century sound of the harpsichord is connected to both the partially sharp harmonies of the time, as well as with baroque clay figures. The concert was premiered on May 3, 1928 in Paris with Wanda Landowska at the harpsichord and was due to its fresh and unfamiliar sound to one of the greatest successes of the composer.

• Work of Francis Poulenc
• Instrumental concert