Poulenc: Mass in G major

Francis Poulenc is now considered to be among the most important composers of choral music of the 20th Century. Yet his early career reveals no trace of the dazzling and idiosyncratic unaccompanied choral textures so abundantly produced in the second half of his life. This new collection of Poulenc’s choral works, virtually a ‘best of’, is centered on his masterwork, Figure Humaine. Even though it is only 20 minutes in length, the work is a supreme test of stamina, technical agility, range, aural skill and musicianship. The professional chamber choir Tenebrae (directed by former King’s Singer Nigel Short) are more than capable of tackling this repertoire and this disc promises to provide a new benchmark in interpretations of the work.

Although Poulenc’s choral works have been steadily climbing in the public’s estimation over the last few years, they have not yet won the status that the composer himself felt that they deserved.

This reissue appears to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Netherlands Chamber Choir. It is without a doubt the best recording the choir ever made. Both CD's received rave reviews in the French press when they first appeared. Under the inspiring direction of Eric Ericson the choir gives unearthly performances. Combining both the Sacred and the Secular choral works, this reissue is a true monument for the artistry of Poulenc. The absolute peak on this CD is the recording of La figure humaine – a piece Poulenc wrote to a text by Paul Eluard who depicts the horrors of war and the universal longing for freedom: Liberté!

The CD comes at a special price: 2 CD's for the price of 1 midprice!

Marking the difference between them, this disc offers an insight into Poulenc’s return to religion with his sacred music for a cappella choir, juxtaposed with Poulenc as a humanist; his secular music for a cappella choir. Performed by the excellent Netherlands Chamber Choir and conducted by Eric Ericson, this disc is a fascinating survey of Poulenc’s choral works.

To issue a CD of Poulenc's most important choral work is to make a huge statement, and to take something of a risk. Why does one do it? Aren't there enough recordings already? Having said that, in my case it's simply dire necessity. This work is so beautiful, so impressive, and so important to the canon of twentieth-century choral music, that I cannot resist having a say of my own. I do believe that Poulenc´s 12-part Figure humaine is the most beautiful and impressive a cappella choral work that I know. The poet Eluard and composer Poulenc formed a perfect match. Eluard's poignant and sinister surrealistic texts are very moving, and their wonderfully expressive language depicts the horrors of the Second World War. It is without doubt a harrowing work, with a pièce de résistance to end: the eighth and final movement Liberté. In the most beautiful words, it expresses the omnipresent urge for liberty. Poulenc's setting is simply wonderful, with a gigantic buildup to the concluding, ultimate cry of LIBERTÉ! It is a great joy to perform this sort of music with my Swedish Radio Choir. The ensemble is a very strong group, and most eager to stretch its boundaries. The strength of the group is not merely the sum of its individual qualities. At the moment when these qualities merge into one, the group develops still further, and the ensemble attains a higher elevation. However important blending of the sound may be, it may not be at the expense of individual colour and personality. Choirs are frequently recorded from a considerable distance, perhaps to improve the blend. I often find the resulting sound to be distant, and detrimental to the clarity of the text.

The recording technique of Channel Classics seeks to establish a synthesis, combining directness and clarity with spatial effect. This is exactly my own approach to choral timbre: the choir must achieve the greatest unity and blend, but also allow space for individual colour. It is at such moments that the listener feels personally involved, and the music gains a human aspect. I am convinced that this is the sound Poulenc had in mind when he wrote Figure humaine. Peter Dijkstra

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of his death, EMI Classics is releasing a set of Francis Poulenc complete works in 20 CDs.

Featuring the composer on the piano in the Concerto for two pianos, numerous artists who have worked with Poulenc himself such as Pierre Bernac, Jacques Février, Gabriel Tacchino, Georges Prêtre and so many others, this set also presents the vivid tradition of the Poulenc interpretation, including the first ever recording of Un Joueur de flute berce les ruines, by Emmanuel Pahud.

Legendary recordings of lyric works “Dialogues des Carmélites” with Régine Crespin under Pierre Dervaux, “Les Mamelles de Tirésias” and “La Voix humaine” with Denise Duval, come along to the multi award-winning and renowned complete piano works by Gabriel Tacchino. The chamber music cast features Alan Civil, Michel Portal, Frank Peter Zimmermann, Pierre Fournier and Michel Debost, to name but a few.

An extensive 148-page booklet including English and French liner notes describing each individual work, tributes by Denise Duval and Gabriel Tacchino, and a rich iconography will make this release even more unique.