This poem, “Fantoches,” is an extract from “Fêtes Galantes,” and it is in a way the symbolic poem of that collection, just like “Clair de lune,” “Pantomime,” “Mandoline” and every other poem on that collection dealing with moonlight. Mauro Zuccante is a regular Tours’ composition competition; “Cantilena” (five male voices choir) and “Elegia” (four female voices choir) won the 2nd prize in 1990, “Fantoches” won the 1st prize (SATB) in 1995. The work is based on a single insistent initial melodic cell which is performed by one voice after another and it is varied, transposed and repeated. On the 62nd bar, the melody comes back with variations. Verlaine’s text is respected, commented, clarified by the fine writing. There are several much precised notes the author wrote to help in preceding work to train then perform the song. Mauro Zuccante studied the piano, composition, choir music, conducting, and electro in Verona, Milan, and Venice. His compositions won many prizes and honors like Vicence 1987, Trento 1990 and 1994, Bologna 1991, Gorizia 1995, Tours 1990 and 1995, Tolosa, Spain, 1993, for instance. His compositions are famous and performed in Italy and overseas (like in Zagreb, and Budapest for example). He teaches music and conducts both Ars Nova choir in Monteforte d’Alpone, Verona and Istitutioni Harmoniche choir, Verona.
