Migot, Georges : Prélude pour un poète
Work Overview
Publication Year:1930
First Publisher:Alphonse Leduc
Instrumentation:Piano Solo
Genre:prelude
Total Playing Time:5 min 00 sec
Copyright:Under Copyright Protection
Commentary (1)
Author : Nishihara, Masaki
Last Updated: June 16, 2024
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Author : Nishihara, Masaki
Composed in August 1928. An orchestral version by Migot himself also exists. Dedicated to the music critic and poet René Chalupt (1885-1957). Migot, who also wrote poetry, and Chalupt had an exchange as fellow poets. Chalupt's poetry is also known for inspiring many contemporary composers, such as Roussel, Auber, Delage, Satie, Auric, Milhaud, Tailleferre, Rivier, to eagerly compose songs. In 4/4 time, with flexibility (Avec souplesse), and no key signature (beginning and ending in A minor). From the outset, a long-breathed, mournful melody is sung as a single line in the middle-low register. It evokes the bowing of string instruments, particularly a monologue by a solo cello, possessing a tenacity that seems to resist the piano's natural decay of sound. Alternatively, some might perceive it as a male voice recitative. Gradually, voices are added, developing polyphonically, yet without significant changes in tempo or meter, maintaining a consistent contemplative musical character. After its premiere, Le Ménestrel magazine reviewed the work, stating that it expressed anguish in a serene demeanor, with beautiful and felicitous hues.