Napoli, FP 40
Suite of three pieces inspired by Poulenc's visit to Naples in 1921, composed 1922-1925 and dedicated to Arthur Rubinstein. The three movements — a Barcarolle, a Nocturne, and a brilliant Caprice italien — evoke the sunny, noisy, sensual atmosphere of the city. The Caprice italien especially has a dazzling, virtuosic lightness that typifies Poulenc's ability to marry elegance with high spirits.