5 - Guillaume Apollinaire

Guillaume Apollinaire (Wilhelm Albert Vladimir Apollinaris Kostrowitzky) was born in Rome on August 26, 1880.

The Art  
 

“Le pont Mirabeau” a poem by Guillaumne Apollinaire  
first published in 1912, from the book, “Alcools” 
To avoid copyright infringement, I’ve elected to direct you to these sites so you can ... 
READ the original poem text in French

SEE the English Translation here 

HEAR a recording of Apollinaire reciting the poem (Yeah!)  

Guillaume Apollinaire (1880 - 1918), was an Italian born French Poet, playwright, novelist and short story writer who was influential in the development of such artistic movements as Futurism, Cubism, Dadaism, and Surrealism: more info here



The Music
 

 

view to the Eiffel tower from Mirabeau Bridge

This piece is all about floating the mood of the poem's allusions to longing, the passing of time, loves lost and gained… with the accordion to breathe it toward you. 
There’s LOADS to read about this artist, for example his liasons with friends such as Pablo Picasso, Gertrude Stein and others invloved in his colourful artistic community in Paris, early last century. 

With my thanks to Sari Grove for introducing me to this beautiful poem. 

Trust you enjoy the music and poetry. 
Au revoir 
Helen

"Beautiful mood that one. Got it straight away – although I never been to the spot on the bridge I’ve been to that spot in my heart!"
Jason Allen