Suite Française d'après Claude Gervaise

From Wind Repertory Project
Francis Poulenc

Francis Poulenc


General Info

Year: 1935
Duration: c. 12:50
Difficulty: V (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Editions Durand
Cost: Score and Parts - Rental


Movements

1. Bransle de Bougogne - 1:25
2. Pavane - 2:30
3. Petite Marche Militaire - 1:10
4. Complainte - 1:35
5. Bransle de Champagne - 1:45
6. Sicilienne - 2:10
7. Carillon - 1:40


Instrumentation

Full Score
Oboe I-II
Bassoon I-II
C Trumpet I-II
Trombone I-II-III
Harpsichord
Percussion I, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Crash Cymbal
  • Snare Drum


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

This compilation of short character pieces was originally written as incidental music for a French play. As a standalone concert work it translates into seven short musical hors d’oeuvres that, in the hands of experienced musicians, are a delight to audiences. Nadia Boulanger encouraged Poulenc to seek inspiration from the 1545 work Libre de Danceries by Claude Gervaise, a French court composer. Reflecting this influence, straightforward, diatonic melodies are decorated with contemporary harmonies. The colorful scoring evokes Debussy and Satie. Although rhythmic elements are manageable by upper level performers, the high degree of individual exposure and subtlety of style will provide a challenge for the most advanced ensembles.

- Notes from Great Music for Wind Band


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Velvet Pastures (Durham, N.H.) (Andrew Boysen, Jr., conductor) - 7 September 2023
  • Arizona State University (Tempe) Wind Ensemble (Dylan Rook Maddix, conductor) - 21 November 2022
  • University of Southern California (Los Angeles) Thornton Wind Ensemble (Allan McMurray, conductor) - 28 October 2022
  • Eastman School of Music (Rochester, N.Y.) Wind Ensemble (Mark Scatterday, conductor) - 5 May 2021
  • New England Conservatory (Boston, Mass.) Chamber Ensemble (Roland Davis, conductor) - 21 April 2021
  • University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Wind Ensemble (John Climer, conductor) - 8 April 2021
  • University of Kentucky (Lexington) Wind Symphony (Cody Birdwell, conductor) - 13 November 2020
  • Southern Methodist University (Dallas, Tx.) Meadows Wind Ensemble (Jack Delaney, conductor; Christopher Widomski, harpsichord) - 11 September 2020
  • New England Conservatory Wind Ensemble (Luke Camarillo, conductor) - 12 December 2019
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison Wind Ensemble (O'Shae Best, conductor) – 7 April 2018
  • University of Michigan Symphony Band (Michael Haithcock, conductor; Joseph Gascho, harpsichord) - 13 March 2015


Works for Winds by This Composer

None discovered thus far.


Resources