This poem only appeared in later editions of Musset’s work; it is taken from the comedy
Bettine (1851), and the poet’s title was originally
Cantate de Bettine, not
Sérénade. Like the more famous
Venise, this poem is a reflection of Musset’s Italian enthusiasms. The Hillemachers’ music is whimsically charming; one is reminded of Hugo Wolf’s contemporary
Italienische Serenade and, at times, the delightful lolloping gait of Chopin’s third Ballade for piano.
from notes by Graham Johnson © 2006
English: Richard Stokes
