This recording features transcriptions of Poulenc songs arranged by Antonio Pompa-Baldi and solo piano arrangements, or elaborations, of Edith Piaf's songs by Italian composer Roberto Piana.
Historical Context
Both Francis Poulenc and Edith Piaf died in 1963, making 2013 the 50th anniversary of their passing, which this album commemorates.
Album & Artwork
This album, titled 'The Rascal and the Sparrow', explores the musical connections between composer Francis Poulenc and singer Edith Piaf, who was famously called 'The Little Sparrow'.
Composition History
Poulenc's Improvisation No. 15 in C Minor, titled 'Hommage á Edith Piaf', was composed in 1959 and dedicated to France's iconic popular singer.
Performer Biography
Antonio Pompa-Baldi, the Italian-born pianist on this recording, was the first prize winner of the 1999 Cleveland International Piano Competition and a silver medalist at the 2001 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.
Instruments
The piano used for this recording is a Steinway Model D #590904 from New York.
Composer Biography
Francis Poulenc, a member of the French composers' group 'Les Six', and Edith Piaf, 'The Little Sparrow', both rose to fame in Paris during the 1920s and 1930s and shared mutual friends, including Jean Cocteau.
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