Sinfonietta (Poulenc)
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| Sinfonietta | |
|---|---|
| by Francis Poulenc | |
.jpg) Francis Poulenc in 1930 | |
| Catalogue | FP 141 |
| Occasion | Anniversary of the BBC's Third Programme |
| Composed | 1947 |
| Movements | Four |
| Scoring | Small symphony orchestra |
| Premiere | |
| Date | 24 October 1948 |
| Location | London |
| Conductor | Roger Désormière |
| Performers | Philharmonia Orchestra |
The Sinfonietta, FP 141, is a work for orchestra by Francis Poulenc. Composed in 1947 on a commission from the BBC, it was first performed in London on 24 October 1948, conducted by Roger Désormière. The work, light and full of dance rhythms, is in four movements.
Poulenc, who initially was urged to study business by his parents, came to music late, without much formal education. He scored a success with a full-length ballet, Les biches, written on a commission by Diaghilev and premiered in Monte Carlo in 1924. A young audience cherished the unsophisticated fresh charm, and the composer received commissions in the wake of the success.[1]
He composed the Sinfonietta in 1947 on a commission from the BBC for the first anniversary of their Third Programme.[2] It was first performed in a broadcast concert in London on 24 October 1948, played by the Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Roger Désormière.[3] Poulenc made his first concert tour to the U.S. the same year, which increased his international recognition.[1]
