Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Francis Poulenc's choral masterpieces with the album "Half Monk, Half Rascal." This collection, released on OUR Recordings in 2012, showcases Poulenc's unique ability to blend sacred and secular themes, earning him the moniker "half monk, half rascal" from critic Claude Rostand. The Danish National Vocal Ensemble, under the skilled direction of Stephen Layton, brings Poulenc's compositions to life with their impeccable harmonies and expressive performances.
The album spans a variety of genres, including neoclassical and classical, and features a diverse range of works. From the intimate and poetic "7 Chansons" to the spiritual depth of "4 Petites prières de Saint Francois d'Assise," and the lively folk-inspired "Chansons françaises," each piece offers a distinct emotional and musical experience. The inclusion of the Ave verum corpus and the Laudes de Saint Antoine de Padoue adds a sacred dimension to the collection, highlighting Poulenc's ability to convey both devotion and joy.
With a duration of 56 minutes, this album is a testament to Poulenc's versatility and the ensemble's technical prowess. Whether you're a longtime fan of classical music or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, "Half Monk, Half Rascal" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The album's critical acclaim, including a Gramophone Award nomination, further attests to its quality and the ensemble's exceptional interpretation of Poulenc's works.
2012 OUR Recordings2012 OUR Recordings
Tracks
7 Chansons, FP 81: No. 1, La blanche neige (the White Snow)Francis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
7 Chansons, FP 81: No. 2, A peine defiguree (Hardly disfigured)Francis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
7 Chansons, FP 81: No. 3, Par une nuit nouvelle (a new night)Francis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
7 Chansons, FP 81: No. 4, Tous les droits (Every right)Francis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
7 Chansons, FP 81: No. 5, Belle et ressemblante (Beautiful and lifelike)Francis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
7 Chansons, FP 81: No. 6, Marie (Marie)Francis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
7 Chansons, FP 81: No. 7, Luire (Gleaming)Francis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
4 Petites prières de Saint Francois d'Assise, FP 142: No. 1, Salut, Dame Sainte (Modéré, mais sans lenteur)Francis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
4 Petites prières de Saint Francois d'Assise, FP 142: No. 2, Tout puissant, tres saint (Majestueux et eclatant)Francis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
4 Petites prières de Saint Francois d'Assise, FP 142: No. 3, Seigneur, je vous en prie (Tres expressif et fervent)Francis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
4 Petites prières de Saint Francois d'Assise, FP 142: No. 4, O mes tres chers freres (Bien calme)Francis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Ave verum corpusFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Un soir de neige, FP 126: No. 1, De grandes cuillers de neigeFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Un soir de neige, FP 126: No. 2, La bonne neigeFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Un soir de neige, FP 126: No. 3, Bois meurtriFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Un soir de neige, FP 126: No. 4, La nuit le froid la solitudeFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Laudes de Saint Antoine de Padoue, FP 172: I. O JesuFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Laudes de Saint Antoine de Padoue, FP 172: II. O prolesFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Laudes de Saint Antoine de Padoue, FP 172: III. Laus RegiFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Laudes de Saint Antoine de Padoue, FP 172: IV. Si quaerisFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Chansons françaises, FP 130: No. 1, Margoton va t'a l'iauFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Chansons françaises, FP 130: No. 2, La belle se sied au pied de la tourFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Chansons françaises, FP 130: No. 3, Pilons l'orgeFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Chansons françaises, FP 130: No. 4, Clic, clac, dansez sabotsFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Chansons françaises, FP 130: No. 5, C'est la petit' fill' du princeFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Chansons françaises, FP 130: No. 6, La belle si nous etionsFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Chansons françaises, FP 130: No. 7, Ah! Mon beau laboureurFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Chansons françaises, FP 130: No. 8, Les tisserandsFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Chanson a boireFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
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