Mouvements Perpetuels For 9 Instruments - Score

The Mouvements Perpetuels is a short three-movement suite originally composed for solo Piano by the French composer Francis Poulenc, premiered in Paris in December 1918, when Poulenc was only19. The suite was an immediate success with public and performers, and it remains one of the composer's most popular works.

Each of the three pieces in the suite ends inconclusively, leaving the music unresolved, to lingerin our ears and minds. The suite takes about five minutes in performance. The light-hearted miniature is adapted here for an ensemble of 9 instruments – Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, Violin, Viola, Cello, C Bass – whichgives it more dimension and makes it even more interesting.

Francis Poulenc was a French composer and pianist. In his early works Poulenc became known for his high spirits and irreverence. During the 1930sa much more serious side to his nature emerged, particularly in the religious music he composed from 1936 onwards, which he alternated with his more light-hearted works.