In December, it's time for the first concert series of the academic year! This time, a unique French program has been chosen, including La Mer by Debussy and Gloria by Poulenc. This program highlights different aspects of French classical music, from the impressionistic sounds of Debussy to the catchy melodies of Poulenc, and even features two interpretations of the sea (La Mer by Debussy and Joncières). Additionally, we will perform D’un matin de printemps by Lili Boulanger, a short orchestral work composed by one of the most important female French composers. In short, Voix des Vagues offers a diverse and refined introduction to French music.
Gloria - Francis Poulenc (1899-1963)
Gloria is one of Poulenc’s most famous works, and for good reason. In this piece, Poulenc reveals all sides of his musical persona. In his early years, he was known as a "rascal" who mocked the classical music of his time, but later in life, he composed much more serious works. Gloria is part of his more serious compositions, but the playful influence of Poulenc is still present in the music.
La Mer – Victorin de Joncières (1839-1903)
With La Mer by Joncières, the listener is swept along in the experience of a storm. The piece begins with Le Calme, where a calm sea is described. In the second part, Contemplation, fishermen and ‘undines’ sing about the beautiful coast, and the sea reacts to this. After the beautiful song about the coast, suddenly the storm rushes in, creating a dramatic shift. Once the storm subsides, the final part, Epilogue, gently lulls the listener into sleep.
D’un Matin de Printemps – Lili Boulanger (1893-1918)
Lili Boulanger was an exceptionally talented musician and successful composer who managed to produce several major works despite her short life. She was also one of the few female composers of her time, which makes her work even more remarkable. D’un Matin de Printemps is one of the last works Boulanger composed before her death.
La Mer – Claude Debussy (1862-1918)
La Mer, trois esquisses symphoniques pour orchestre ("The Sea, Three Symphonic Sketches for Orchestra"), is one of Debussy's most performed works. The piece is—unsurprisingly—inspired by the sea, which is evident in the wave-like movements of the melody and the titles of its various sections, starting with From Dawn to Noon on the Sea, followed by Play of the Waves, and finally Dialogue between the Wind and the Sea. These sections showcase the different facets of the sea, from the calm waters in part one to the raging waves in part two, creating a beautiful auditory experience of the sea's varying aspects.