The evocative nature of French music is explored via the work of two distinctive artists within the subsequent live performance by the Amici Chamber Ensemble. Piaf & Poulenc pairs the distinctive and emotional vocal type of the quintessential chanteuse with the composer’s wealthy harmonies.
“[Piaf and Poulenc’s music] represents Paris within the late afternoon or early night… when individuals go to the cafes or the bars after a tough day’s work, and so they’re having fun with themselves… that’s how I think about their music,” says Amici co-artistic director Serouj Kradjian in a press release.
The live performance takes place February 9.
The Music of Paris within the Nineteen Thirties
Piaf
Born Édith Giovanna Gassion in 1915, the enduring entertainer the world knew as Édith Piaf is without doubt one of the most celebrated singers of the twentieth century. Her vocals are immediately recognizable, and he or she got here to epitomize the chanson réaliste, a time period sometimes referring to songs of affection and loss.
She started her performing profession on the age of 14, becoming a member of her father, a road acrobat, together with her songs. Her life was typically tumultuous, and included marriage and being pregnant on the age of 17. The kid would die of meningitis on the age of two, the wedding between her mother and father already over.
Édith was found n 1935 by nightclub proprietor Louis Leplée, who would assist her craft her signature look. Legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt was in attendance at her debut, which had been hyped by Leplée. Her profession as a nightclub singer started to off, solely to be blighted by suspicions following Leplée’s homicide the next yr.
Her profession and fame would actually develop, nonetheless, through the German occupation of France through the Second World Warfare. She sang for audiences in nightclubs and brothels, and went on a live performance tour sponsored by German authorities officers. After the warfare, private testimony by a member of the Resistance helped her keep away from a nation-wide radio ban due to alleged collaboration with the occupying military.
She’d regain her huge reputation in France, whereas incomes a global repute over the a long time. Her signature songs like La vie en rose and Non, je ne remorse rien have risen to iconic standing.
As a singer, her type blended components of cabaret and basic French chanson. Her supply was nuanced and emotional, and characterised by a type of percussive use of vibrato — a particular sound she basically invented.
Poulenc
Composer Francis Poulenc was born in France in January 1899. He was additionally a pianist, and piano works make up an excellent portion of his compositions, together with songs and choral music, chamber and orchestral music, ballets and operas.
He was born right into a rich household with a producing firm, and was anticipated to enter into the household agency. After his mother and father’ demise, nonetheless, he started to check privately, finally turning into generally known as considered one of Les Six, a gaggle of younger composers of the day. Throughout his lifetime, he was also called a pianist, and toured Europe and the US with opera singers.
Whereas his earlier works present a youthful irreverence, as he grew older, it’s clear Poulenc’s pondering modified. His lighter, extra fanciful items have been interspersed with music for the church later in his profession. His works are each lyrical and emotional.
Like so a lot of his fellow French individuals, Poulenc appreciated the work of Piaf. When he wrote his 15 improvisations for piano in 1959, he accomplished the collection with No. 15 in C minor, subtitled “L’hommage à Édith Piaf.”
The Program
The music consists of:
Poulenc: Cello Sonata (2nd and third actions)
Poulenc: Clarinet Sonata
Poulenc: L’Invitation au Chateau for clarinet, violin and piano
Poulenc: L’hommage à Édith Piaf
Piaf songs:
Les Chemins d’amour
Non Je ne regrette rien
Hymne à l’amour
Padam padam
La vie en rose
Sous le ciel de Paris
Visitor musicians embody:
- Pandora Topp, vocalist
- Timothy Ying, violin
- Matti Pulkki, accordion
- Julia Mirzoev, violin
- Lucy Gelber, viola
- Laura Kuri, trumpet
Discover extra particulars in regards to the February 9 efficiency, and tickets, [HERE].
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Anya Wassenberg is a Toronto Metropolis Editor at Ludwig Van. She is an skilled freelance author, blogger and writing teacher.