Intermediality and problems of interpretation of the vocal cycle "The Short Straw" of Francis Poulenc

The purpose of the article is due to the need to study the peculiarities of the interpretation of the artistic texts of the vocal cycle of F. Poulenc on the poem by M. Karem "Straw" in the intermedial space. The methodology is based on an integrated approach using comparative, structural, interdisciplinary methods and narrative analysis to understand the psychological processes that arise when interpreting a vocal cycle, involves the inclusion of the problem of analysis in the space of art history and cultural discourse in an interdisciplinary context. Scientific novelty the scientific novelty lies in the fact that the vocal cycle of F. Poulenc was first investigated as a full-fledged semiotic space, a universal plane of the textual category of intertextuality, which, along with the specific characteristics of its sign system, conveys "figurative" information. Conclusions Analysis of philosophical, musicological, art criticism literature gives grounds to assert that the intermediality of vocal work is closely related to the concepts: "synthesis of arts", "narrative", "ekphrasis", "synesthesia", "suggestion", etc. F. Poulenc to poems by M. Karem “A Short Straw” is a full-fledged semiotic space that corresponds to the universal textual category of intertextuality, which, along with the specific characteristics of its sign system, conveys “figurative” information. The intermediality of vocal work is based on the interaction of artistic codes of various types of arts, as the formation of an integral poly art space in the cultural system. The combination of narrative and intermedial approaches to musical works is increasingly becoming one of the most relevant trends in modern musicology, the further development of the theory and practice of intermediality.

Poulenc

Francis Poulenc is a key figure in twentieth-century classical music, as well as an unorthodox and striking individual. This book draws upon Poulenc's music and other primary sources to write an authoritative life of this great artist. Although associated with five other French composers in what came to be called “Les Six,” Poulenc was very much sui generis in personality and in his music, where he excelled over a wide repertoire-opera, songs, ballet scores, chamber works, piano pieces, sacred and secular choral works, orchestral works and concertos. This book fully covers this wide range, while also describing the vicissitudes of Poulenc's life and the many important relationships he had with major figures such as Satie, Ravel, Stravinsky, Diaghilev, Cocteau and others.

Depression and Recovery 1929–1934

This chapter explains what made the years from 1929 to 1934 terrible and not easy to decipher for Francis Poulenc. It speculates that the cause of Poulenc's depression was due to the arrival of his thirtieth birthday and the ongoing question on how Raymonde Linossier might fit into his future. It points out Poulenc's documentation of his depression through his letter to Charles de Noailles around February 1929. The chapter narrates Poulenc's meeting and serious homosexual relationship with the artist Richard Chanlaire. It also talks about the production at the Opéra of the L'Éventail de Jeanne that helped Poulenc's mood.

‘Now we are Six’ 1919–1924

This chapter explains how Francis Poulenc exorcized the influence of Claude Debussy's piano music through his multi-stave preludes. It also analyzes Poulenc's modelling of his solo piano music in that of Igor Stravinsky, although the eight little piano duets were more interesting with the imaginative use of ostinato. It looks at Poulenc's three pieces called Mouvements perpétuels, which was acclaimed by virtuosos and by amateurs and reflected a sense in which the “war had created a new world.” The chapter looks at the performing instructions on Mouvements perpétuels, such as the second piece that must be played three times consecutively: the first time in a casual manner, second with plenty of rubato, and third with fury. It also mentions how Poulenc described Mouvements perpétuels as no more than three simple little touches of colour on a ground of white paper.