Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Francis Poulenc's choral masterpieces with this exquisite collection, expertly performed by The Sixteen under the direction of Harry Christophers. Released in 2017, this album showcases the profound depth and spiritual intensity of Poulenc's compositions, reflecting both his personal struggles and the tumultuous times in which he lived.
The album spans a variety of themes, from penitence and atonement to the joyous celebration of Christmas. It features iconic works such as the "Salve Regina in G Minor," the "Quatre Motets pour un temps de pénitence," and the "Mass in G Major," each piece a testament to Poulenc's unique voice within the neoclassical and classical genres. The collection also includes the enchanting "Un soir de neige," a set of poems set to music that captures the serene beauty of a snowy evening.
This recording is a celebration of Poulenc's choral genius, highlighting his ability to blend sacred and secular themes with unparalleled elegance. The Sixteen's precise and passionate performances bring out the nuances of each piece, making this album a treasure for both seasoned classical music enthusiasts and those new to Poulenc's work. With a duration of just over an hour, this album is a perfect introduction to the composer's choral repertoire, offering a blend of introspective and uplifting moments that will resonate long after the final note fades.
(C) 2016 The Sixteen Productions
Tracks
Salve Regina in G Minor, FP 110Francis Poulenc, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Quatre Motets pour un temps de pénitence, FP 97: I. Timor et tremorFrancis Poulenc, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Quatre Motets pour un temps de pénitence, FP 97: II. Vinea mea electaFrancis Poulenc, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Quatre Motets pour un temps de pénitence, FP 97: III. Tenebræ factæ suntFrancis Poulenc, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Quatre Motets pour un temps de pénitence, FP 97: IV. Tristis est anima meaFrancis Poulenc, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Litanies à la Vierge Noire, FP 82Francis Poulenc, Robert Quinney, Harry Christophers
Quatre Motets pour le temps de Noël, FP 152: I. O magnum mysteriumFrancis Poulenc, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Quatre Motets pour le temps de Noël, FP 152: II. Quem vidistis pastores diciteFrancis Poulenc, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Quatre Motets pour le temps de Noël, FP 152: III. Videntes stellamFrancis Poulenc, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Quatre Motets pour le temps de Noël, FP 152: IV. Hodie Christus natus estFrancis Poulenc, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Un soir de neige, FP 126: I. De grandes cuillers de neigeFrancis Poulenc, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Un soir de neige, FP 126: II. La bonne neigeFrancis Poulenc, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Un soir de neige, FP 126: III. Bois meurtriFrancis Poulenc, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Un soir de neige, FP 126: IV. La nuit le froid la solitudeFrancis Poulenc, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Ave verum corpus, FP 154Francis Poulenc, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Mass in G Major, FP 89: I. KyrieFrancis Poulenc, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Mass in G Major, FP 89: II. GloriaFrancis Poulenc, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Mass in G Major, FP 89: III. SanctusFrancis Poulenc, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Mass in G Major, FP 89: IV. BenedictusFrancis Poulenc, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Mass in G Major, FP 89: V. Agnus DeiFrancis Poulenc, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers