Dive into the enchanting world of Francis Poulenc's piano works with this captivating album, set to release on July 28, 2025, under Meridian Records. Spanning a little over an hour, this collection showcases Poulenc's mastery of neoclassical and classical genres, offering a rich tapestry of compositions that highlight his unique blend of color and clarity.
The album features 24 tracks, including the delightful "10 Improvisations, FP 63" from 1932-34, the whimsical "2 Improvisations, FP 113" from 1941, and the charming "3 Novelettes, FP 47/173" from 1927-28. Each piece is a testament to Poulenc's legendary skills as a pianist and composer, with tracks like "Presto in B-Flat Major, FP 70" and "Thème varié, FP 151" showcasing his ability to blend technical prowess with emotional depth. The album also includes lesser-known gems such as "Improvisation No. 15: In C Minor 'Hommage à Édith Piaf'" and "Mélancolie, FP 105," adding a touch of nostalgia and homage to the collection.
Poulenc's compositions are known for their idiosyncratic charm and immaculate clarity, and this album is no exception. From the lively "Presto con fuoco" to the serene "Très calme et sans hâte," each track offers a unique listening experience. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Poulenc's work, this album promises to be a delightful journey through the piano works of one of the 20th century's most influential composers.
(C) 2025 Meridian Records(P) 2025 Meridian Records
Tracks
10 Improvisations, FP 63 (1932-34): No. 1 in B Minor. Presto ritmicoFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
10 Improvisations, FP 63 (1932-34): No. 2 in A-Flat Major. Assez animéFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
10 Improvisations, FP 63 (1932-34): No. 3 in B Minor. Presto très secFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
10 Improvisations, FP 63 (1932-34): No. 4 in A-Flat Major. Presto con fuocoFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
10 Improvisations, FP 63 (1932-34): No. 5 in A Minor. Modéré sans lenteurFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
10 Improvisations, FP 63 (1932-34): No. 6 in B-Flat Major. A toute vitesseFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
10 Improvisations, FP 63 (1932-34): No. 7 in C Major. Modéré sans lenteurFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
10 Improvisations, FP 63 (1932-34): No. 8 in A Minor. PrestoFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
10 Improvisations, FP 63 (1932-34): No. 9 in D Major. Presto possibleFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
10 Improvisations, FP 63 (1932-34): No. 10 in F Major “Éloge des gammes”. Modéré sans trainerFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
2 Improvisations, FP 113 (1941): No. 1 in G Minor. Assez animéFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
2 Improvisations, FP 113 (1941): No. 2 in E-Flat Major “Hommage à Schubert”. Mouvt de ValseFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
2 Improvisations, FP 170 (1958): No. 1 in A Minor. Allegretto commodoFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
2 Improvisations, FP 170 (1958): No. 2 in D-Flat Major. AllegrettoFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
Improvisation No. 15: In C Minor “Hommage à Édith Piaf”Francis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
3 Novelettes, FP 47/173 (1927-28): No. 1 in C Major. Modéré sans lenteurFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
3 Novelettes, FP 47/173 (1927-28): No. 2 in B-Flat minor. Très rapide et rhythméFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
3 Novelettes, FP 47/173 (1958): No. 3 in E Minor "Sur un thème de Manuel da Falla". Andantino tranquilloFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
2 Intermezzi, FP 71 (1934): No. 1 in C Major. Presto con fuocoFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
2 Intermezzi, FP 71 (1934): No. 2 in D-Flat Major. Assez modéré mais sans lenteurFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
Intermezzo, FP 118 (1943): No. 3. Intermezzo in A-Flat Major. Très allant, tout droit, sans rubatoFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
Presto in B-Flat Major, FP 70 (1934): Presto possibleFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
Thème varié, FP 151 (1951): Très calme et sans hâteFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
Mélancolie, FP 105 (1940): Très modéréFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
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