Francis Jean Marcel Poulenc ： Caprice italien from Napoli FP.40

A brilliant and witty paraphrase, sometimes performed independently from Poulenc’s Napoli. Built around lively rhythms suggestive of Italy and bright forward momentum, it combines singing melodies with changing expressive nuances, while short phrases unfold in quick succession. The piece maintains a light, agile sense of motion as it moves toward its climax, with its vivid late-stage drive providing a particular highlight. In performance, the intricate figures should be kept crisp, even, and clearly articulated, while the melody must remain distinct from the accompaniment. Use the pedal with restraint to avoid blurring the sonority, and bring out the humorous accents and lively contrasts between tension and relaxation.