Dive into the captivating world of Francis Poulenc's "Half Monk, Half Rascal," a remarkable collection of choral works that encapsulates the essence of the composer's dualistic nature. Released on OUR Recordings in 2012, this album is a testament to Poulenc's ability to blend the sacred and the secular, the profound and the playful.
The album features a diverse range of compositions, from the introspective and spiritual "4 Petites prières de Saint Francois d'Assise" to the lively and whimsical "Chansons françaises." Poulenc's mastery of neoclassical and classical styles shines through in each piece, offering a rich and varied listening experience. The Danish National Vocal Ensemble, under the direction of Stephen Layton, brings these works to life with stunning precision and emotional depth.
Highlights include the hauntingly beautiful "7 Chansons," a cycle of songs that explores themes of love, loss, and longing, and the exuberant "Laudes de Saint Antoine de Padoue," a celebration of the saint's life and virtues. The album also features the enchanting "Un soir de neige," a set of four songs inspired by the beauty of a snowy night.
With a duration of 56 minutes, "Half Monk, Half Rascal" is a journey through the many facets of Francis Poulenc's musical genius. Whether you're a longtime fan of classical music or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire. Don't miss the chance to experience the brilliance of Poulenc's choral works in this exceptional collection.
2012 OUR Recordings2012 OUR Recordings
Tracks
7 Chansons, FP 81: No. 1, La blanche neige (the White Snow)Francis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
7 Chansons, FP 81: No. 2, A peine defiguree (Hardly disfigured)Francis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
7 Chansons, FP 81: No. 3, Par une nuit nouvelle (a new night)Francis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
7 Chansons, FP 81: No. 4, Tous les droits (Every right)Francis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
7 Chansons, FP 81: No. 5, Belle et ressemblante (Beautiful and lifelike)Francis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
7 Chansons, FP 81: No. 6, Marie (Marie)Francis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
7 Chansons, FP 81: No. 7, Luire (Gleaming)Francis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
4 Petites prières de Saint Francois d'Assise, FP 142: No. 1, Salut, Dame Sainte (Modéré, mais sans lenteur)Francis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
4 Petites prières de Saint Francois d'Assise, FP 142: No. 2, Tout puissant, tres saint (Majestueux et eclatant)Francis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
4 Petites prières de Saint Francois d'Assise, FP 142: No. 3, Seigneur, je vous en prie (Tres expressif et fervent)Francis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
4 Petites prières de Saint Francois d'Assise, FP 142: No. 4, O mes tres chers freres (Bien calme)Francis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Ave verum corpusFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Un soir de neige, FP 126: No. 1, De grandes cuillers de neigeFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Un soir de neige, FP 126: No. 2, La bonne neigeFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Un soir de neige, FP 126: No. 3, Bois meurtriFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Un soir de neige, FP 126: No. 4, La nuit le froid la solitudeFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Laudes de Saint Antoine de Padoue, FP 172: I. O JesuFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Laudes de Saint Antoine de Padoue, FP 172: II. O prolesFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Laudes de Saint Antoine de Padoue, FP 172: III. Laus RegiFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Laudes de Saint Antoine de Padoue, FP 172: IV. Si quaerisFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Chansons françaises, FP 130: No. 1, Margoton va t'a l'iauFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Chansons françaises, FP 130: No. 2, La belle se sied au pied de la tourFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Chansons françaises, FP 130: No. 3, Pilons l'orgeFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Chansons françaises, FP 130: No. 4, Clic, clac, dansez sabotsFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Chansons françaises, FP 130: No. 5, C'est la petit' fill' du princeFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Chansons françaises, FP 130: No. 6, La belle si nous etionsFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Chansons françaises, FP 130: No. 7, Ah! Mon beau laboureurFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Chansons françaises, FP 130: No. 8, Les tisserandsFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
Chanson a boireFrancis Poulenc, DR VokalEnsemblet, Stephen Layton
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