Francis Poulenc

Chansons Gaillardes

Poulenc's song cycle, Chansons Gaillardes was composed in 1925-1926 during the post-war euphoria. The cycle is essential to aspiring, advanced baritones. Francis Poulenc (1899-1963) was a highly prolific composer, and remains popular to this day. Chansons Gaillardes was composed towards the beginning of the composer's career for Baritone Pierre Bernac. At the first performance, Poulenc himself played the piano and the song cycle was immediately a hit.

Chansons Gaillardes is made up of eight songs which alternate between lively and slow tempos - 1) The Fickle Mistress, 2) Drinking Song, 3) Madrigal, 4) Summoning the Fates, 5) Bacchanalian Couplets, 6) The Offering, 7) The Beautiful Youth, and 8) Serenade. As a song cycle with much variation, it is an exciting addition to the baritone repertoire.