Corbière’s “À une demoiselle” Notes, staves and keys

Emblematizing a certain tradition of Romantic expressivity, dolorism, in Corbière’s works, includes the poetic transmission of pain. In « À une demoiselle » this is accomplished through the cacophonic evocation of a demoiselle’s piano keys which are depicted in a (violent) comparison with her false teeth. In this jarring juxtaposition, there emerges a parodic form of musical telegraphy, a sentimental song of discord and disharmony – and more if the feeling is(n’t) right (success guaranteed).