Dive into the vibrant and playful world of Francis Poulenc with "Poulenc l'espiègle," a captivating collection of his most whimsical and charming compositions. Released on October 8, 2021, this album is a delightful journey through the French composer's neoclassical and classical masterpieces, spanning a rich and engaging hour and ten minutes.
The album opens with the enchanting "Rapsodie nègre," a piece that showcases Poulenc's unique blend of African rhythms and French elegance. Following this, the "Mouvements perpétuels" and "Le bestiaire ou Cortège d'Orphée" offer a delightful mix of wit and technical brilliance, highlighting Poulenc's knack for creating music that is both accessible and deeply satisfying.
Vocal enthusiasts will be thrilled by the inclusion of "Quatre poèmes de Max Jacob," where Poulenc's melodic genius is paired with the evocative poetry of Max Jacob. The album also features selections from Poulenc's operatic works, such as "Les Mariés de la tour Eiffel" and "Le Bal masqué," providing a taste of his dramatic flair.
The album is beautifully performed by an ensemble of talented musicians and vocalists, including Didier Henry, who brings a rich and expressive voice to the pieces that require it. The production quality is top-notch, ensuring that every nuance of Poulenc's compositions is brought to life.
Whether you're a seasoned classical music aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, "Poulenc l'espiègle" offers a delightful introduction to the playful and inventive side of Francis Poulenc. This album is a testament to Poulenc's enduring appeal and his ability to create music that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply enjoyable.
2021 Klarthe2021 Klarthe Records
Tracks
Rapsodie nègre, FP 3: I. PréludeFrancis Poulenc, Ensemble Musica Nigella, Takénori Némoto
Rapsodie nègre, FP 3: II. RondeFrancis Poulenc, Ensemble Musica Nigella, Takénori Némoto
Rapsodie nègre, FP 3: III. HonoloulouFrancis Poulenc, Ensemble Musica Nigella, Takénori Némoto, Didier Henry
Rapsodie nègre, FP 3: IV. PastoraleFrancis Poulenc, Ensemble Musica Nigella, Takénori Némoto
Rapsodie nègre, FP 3: V. FinalFrancis Poulenc, Ensemble Musica Nigella, Takénori Némoto, Didier Henry
Mouvements perpétuels, FP 14: I. Assez modéréFrancis Poulenc, Ensemble Musica Nigella, Takénori Némoto
Mouvements perpétuels, FP 14: II. Très modéréFrancis Poulenc, Ensemble Musica Nigella, Takénori Némoto
Mouvements perpétuels, FP 14: III. AlerteFrancis Poulenc, Ensemble Musica Nigella, Takénori Némoto
Le bestiaire ou Cortège d'Orphée, FP 15: I. Le dromadaireFrancis Poulenc, Ensemble Musica Nigella, Takénori Némoto, Didier Henry
Le bestiaire ou Cortège d'Orphée, FP 15: II. La chèvre du TibetFrancis Poulenc, Ensemble Musica Nigella, Takénori Némoto, Didier Henry
Le bestiaire ou Cortège d'Orphée, FP 15: III. La sauterelleFrancis Poulenc, Ensemble Musica Nigella, Takénori Némoto, Didier Henry
Le bestiaire ou Cortège d'Orphée, FP 15: IV. Le dauphinFrancis Poulenc, Ensemble Musica Nigella, Takénori Némoto, Didier Henry
Le bestiaire ou Cortège d'Orphée, FP 15: V. L'écrevisseFrancis Poulenc, Ensemble Musica Nigella, Takénori Némoto, Didier Henry
Le bestiaire ou Cortège d'Orphée, FP 15: VI. La carpeFrancis Poulenc, Ensemble Musica Nigella, Takénori Némoto, Didier Henry
Valse for l'Album des Six, FP 17Francis Poulenc, Ensemble Musica Nigella, Takénori Némoto
Suite du gendarme incompris, FP 20b: I. OuvertureFrancis Poulenc, Ensemble Musica Nigella, Takénori Némoto
Suite du gendarme incompris, FP 20b: II. ValseFrancis Poulenc, Ensemble Musica Nigella, Takénori Némoto
Suite du gendarme incompris, FP 20b: III. MadrigalFrancis Poulenc, Ensemble Musica Nigella, Takénori Némoto
Suite du gendarme incompris, FP 20b: IV. FinalFrancis Poulenc, Ensemble Musica Nigella, Takénori Némoto
Quatre poèmes de Max Jacob, FP 22: I. Est-il un coin plus solitaireFrancis Poulenc, Ensemble Musica Nigella, Takénori Némoto, Didier Henry
Quatre poèmes de Max Jacob, FP 22: II. C'est pour aller au balFrancis Poulenc, Ensemble Musica Nigella, Takénori Némoto, Didier Henry
Quatre poèmes de Max Jacob, FP 22: III. Poète et ténorFrancis Poulenc, Ensemble Musica Nigella, Takénori Némoto, Didier Henry
Quatre poèmes de Max Jacob, FP 22: IV. Dans le buisson de mimosaFrancis Poulenc, Ensemble Musica Nigella, Takénori Némoto, Didier Henry
Discours du Général - Les Mariés de la tour EiffelFrancis Poulenc, Ensemble Musica Nigella, Takénori Némoto
La Baigneuse de Trouville - Les Mariés de la tour EiffelFrancis Poulenc, Ensemble Musica Nigella, Takénori Némoto
Le Bal masqué, FP 60: I. Préambule et air de bravoureFrancis Poulenc, Ensemble Musica Nigella, Takénori Némoto, Didier Henry
Le Bal masqué, FP 60: II. IntermèdeFrancis Poulenc, Ensemble Musica Nigella, Takénori Némoto, Didier Henry
Le Bal masqué, FP 60: III. MalvinaFrancis Poulenc, Ensemble Musica Nigella, Takénori Némoto, Didier Henry
Le Bal masqué, FP 60: IV. BagatelleFrancis Poulenc, Ensemble Musica Nigella, Takénori Némoto, Didier Henry
Le Bal masqué, FP 60: V. La dame aveugleFrancis Poulenc, Ensemble Musica Nigella, Takénori Némoto, Didier Henry
Le Bal masqué, FP 60: VI. Finale. CapriceFrancis Poulenc, Ensemble Musica Nigella, Takénori Némoto, Didier Henry
2 Marches et un intermède, FP 88: I. Marche 1889Francis Poulenc, Ensemble Musica Nigella, Takénori Némoto
2 Marches et un intermède, FP 88: II. Intermède champêtreFrancis Poulenc, Ensemble Musica Nigella, Takénori Némoto
2 Marches et un intermède, FP 88: III. Marche 1937Francis Poulenc, Ensemble Musica Nigella, Takénori Némoto
Léocadia, FP 106: Les chemins de l’amourFrancis Poulenc, Ensemble Musica Nigella, Takénori Némoto, Didier Henry
Francis Poulenc, born in Paris in 1899, was a prolific French composer and pianist whose music continues to captivate audiences worldwide. A member of the influential neoclassical group Les Six, Poulenc's compositions span a wide range of genres, including songs, piano works, chamber music, operas, ballets, and orchestral pieces. His melodies, often described as immaculate and accessible, are a testament to his mastery of wit and elegance. Poulenc's catalog boasts over 200 works, with notable pieces such as the piano suite "Trois mouvements perpétuels," the ballet "Les biches," and the opera "Dialogues des Carmélites." His religious works, including the renowned "Gloria," reflect his deep spirituality. Poulenc's music blends eclectic influences, from 18th-century keyboard music to Surrealism, creating a unique and enduring legacy. Despite his personal struggles, Poulenc's compositions remain a beloved part of the classical repertoire, celebrated for their honesty and melodic beauty. His sudden passing in 1963 left an indelible mark on the music world, but his compositions continue to inspire and enchant.
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Francis Poulenc
