Poulenc: Piano Concerto, Organ Concerto & Stabat Mater

Featuring

Yannick Nézet-Séguin
Alexandre Tharaud
James O'Donnell
Kate Royal
London Philharmonic Orchestra
London Philharmonic Choir

Francis Poulenc

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Composer's Artistic Vision

Poulenc described his Piano Concerto as a "light concerto," a musical souvenir of Paris, distinguishing it from celebrated virtuoso concertos.

Composition History

Poulenc's Organ Concerto, dedicated to American-born arts patron Princesse Edmond de Polignac, was difficult for him to compose, taking four years to complete.

Composer Biography

Francis Poulenc, the composer, was also a pianist and wrote with great skill for his instrument in various forms, including two concertos.

Composition History

Poulenc's Stabat Mater was written in memory of his friend Christian Bérard, a theatre designer, and is dedicated to him.

Composition History

Poulenc composed his Piano Concerto between May and October 1949 as a piece for his second concert tour of North America.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Poulenc stated that he put "the best and most genuine part of myself" into his sacred music, such as the Stabat Mater.

Compositional Technique

The finale of Poulenc's Piano Concerto includes a reference to Stephen Foster's 'Old folks at home' and the French folk song 'A la claire fontaine', a gesture of transatlantic amity.

Gounod, C.-F.: Messe Breve No. 7 Aux Chapelles / Mass in B-Flat Major / Mass No. 2 / Ave Maria

Poulenc: Gloria For Soprano, Mixed Chorus And Orchestra; Concerto For Organ, Strings And Timpani In G Minor; Concert Champetre For Harpsichord And Orchestra