Work Overview

• Publication Year: 1945
• First Publisher: Elkan-Vogel
• Instrumentation: Piano Solo
• Total Performance Time: Approximately 24 minutes 30 seconds (1 to 2.5 minutes per piece)

Composed between July 5 and 11, 1944, in Mills, Oakland, California. This was a heavy period of uncertainty, preceding the liberation of Paris (August 1944), a turning point in World War II. Since his exile in 1940, frequent tragic news arrived concerning many friends, acquaintances, and Jewish relatives who remained in France, and Milhaud's own chronic illness worsened, sometimes confining him to bed for days. However, even amidst such harsh days, Milhaud was not one to simply despair and lament his circumstances. Precisely because of the difficult situation, he did not forget his gratitude towards those close to him, and poured even greater enthusiasm into his creative work and teaching.

The "Muse" here refers to his wife, Madeleine Milhaud (1902-2008). Madeleine was also an actress, and while teaching French literature classes at Mills College herself, she managed the household and entertained a constant stream of guests with heartfelt home-cooked meals. Madeleine, who grew up in a wealthy family where employing housekeepers and drivers was common, personally handled all household chores in a foreign land, obtained a driver's license and drove herself, stood at the podium, participated in the conception of her husband's operas, and even wrote librettos. This can be considered a truly remarkable achievement, even for someone born in 1902.

Out of gratitude to his wife, Milhaud composed and dedicated a collection of piano miniatures depicting various aspects of their ordinary daily life. Milhaud himself referred to this work in his autobiography, emphasizing that it was by no means a mere fantasy. Indeed, for example, in the 12th piece, "Nursing the Sick," the candid emotions of the person receiving care are deeply moving. However, it is not only introspective pieces; there are also plenty of punchy and humorous miniatures, such as the 5th piece, "Cooking," which vividly portrays exhilarating fast cooking, and the 9th piece, "The Son Who Paints," which brings to mind a mischievous boy. For Milhaud, who was naturally fond of travel and going out, and possessed a strong open and extroverted disposition, being confined to bed and unable to go outside must have been difficult. However, Milhaud was a person who, by spending a long time at home, rediscovered its virtues and could deeply appreciate its irreplaceable value. Such is truly robust optimism. In 1991, 17 years after Milhaud's death, his widow Madeleine recounted a heartwarming anecdote to Roger Nichols, stating that Milhaud had secretly composed these miniatures over several days and presented them to her as a surprise.

The premiere was a broadcast premiere on Radio Brussels on May 30, 1945, by Milhaud's long-time friend, Paul Collaer. Milhaud himself recorded the complete work in September 1945. This self-performance was also released as an LP in Japan by CBS Sony in 1984 (coupled with Cantate de l'enfant et de la mère, Op. 185), and its unparalleled warmth of piano tone, soft touch, and elegant phrasing have brought comfort to many listeners. Collaer, who performed the premiere, later stated in his biography of Milhaud that this work was "not suitable for concert halls." Regardless of whether they are performed on a grand stage, engaging with these miniatures alone would be a serene and enriching experience for a pianist. Since no excessive technical demands are made, it is hoped that a wide range of learners will also become familiar with them.

• No. 1 La Mienne – Dedicace à M.M.M.M. (My Own – Dedication to M.M.M.M.) My Own – Dedicated to M.M.M.M. 4/4 time. Quarter note = 74. Although not explicitly stated in the published score, M.M.M.M. stands for Madeleine Milhaud Muse Ménagère.

• No. 2 Le Réveil (The Awakening) The Awakening. 6/8 time. Dotted quarter note = 80.

• No. 3 Les Soins du Ménage (Household Cares) Household Chores. 4/4 time. Quarter note = 84.

• No. 4 La Poésie (Poetry) Poetic Feeling. 3/4 time. Quarter note = 56.

• No. 5 La Cuisine (Cooking) The Kitchen. 6/8 time. Dotted quarter note = 140.

• No. 6 Les Fleurs dans La Maison (Flowers in the House) Flowers in the House. 6/8 time. Dotted quarter note = 66.

• No. 7 La Lessive (Laundry) Laundry. 4/4 time. Quarter note = 84.

• No. 8 Musique Ensemble (Music Together) Ensemble Music. 4/4 time. Quarter note = 66.
• No. 9 Le Fils Peintre (The Son Who Paints) The Son Who Paints. 4/4 time. Quarter note = 88.

• No. 10 Le Chat (The Cat) The Cat. 3/4 time. Quarter note = 90.

• No. 11 Cartomancie (Fortune Telling) Fortune Telling with Cards. 4/4 time. Quarter note = 74.

• No. 12 Les Soins au Malade (Nursing the Sick) Nursing the Sick. 4/4 time. Quarter note = 68.

• No. 13 La Douceur des Soirées (Sweetness of the Evenings) The Pleasure of Evening Gatherings. 6/8 time. Dotted quarter note = 60.

• No. 14 Lectures Nocturnes (Reading at Night) Night Reading. 6/8 time. Dotted quarter note = 68.

• No. 15 Reconnaissance à la Muse (Gratitude to the Muse) Gratitude to the Muse. 4/4 time. Quarter note = 68.