Immerse yourself in the captivating world of neoclassical music with the New London Orchestra's 1989 release, "Poulenc: Aubade & Sinfonietta – Hahn: Le Bal de Béatrice d'Este." This album is a delightful blend of works by two prominent composers, Francis Poulenc and Reynaldo Hahn, conducted by the skilled Ronald Corp and featuring the talented pianist Julian Evans.
The album opens with Poulenc's Sinfonietta, a lively and energetic piece that sets the tone for the rest of the album. The New London Orchestra brings a sense of conviviality and bright color to their performance, making this a joyful listening experience. The Aubade suite, also by Poulenc, follows, showcasing a variety of moods and styles, from the playful "Rondeau. Diane et compagnes" to the dramatic "Allegro féroce. Désespoir de Diane."
The second half of the album is dedicated to Hahn's "Le Bal de Béatrice d'Este," a suite inspired by a historical ball. The orchestra's performance is lively and engaging, with each movement painting a vivid picture of the ball's events, from the grand "Entrée pour Ludovic le More" to the final "Salut final au Duc de Milan."
With a total runtime of just over an hour, this album is a perfect introduction to the neoclassical genre and a testament to the New London Orchestra's skill and versatility. Whether you're a seasoned classical music fan or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to delight and inspire.