French Delecacies - Poulenc and Faure

In the early 20 century France occupied a preeminent position in the art world and produced some of the finest music of the era. Poulenc’s Gloria is certainly one for the bucket list – at times straightforwardly pious, but also tinged with mischievous irreverence and a sense of rollocking enjoyment.

Francis Poulenc rediscovered his Catholicism following the death of a friend in 1936. Although his composition of religious works generally became more austere, with the Gloria, Poulenc used the playful and theatrical style from his operas to create a work of pure joy. Its full of what Amy calls “naughty harmonies” and syncopated rhythms which that choir have found both challenging and a lot of fun. And with its beautiful soprano solos, especially the Domine Deus its no accident that it is a favourite piece for Amy.

To complete the program we have luscious numbers from France’s artistic zenith at the fin de siècle, including Fauré’s much-loved Cantique de Jean Racine, and other works by Fauré, Debussy and Saint Seans. And we delve back into the French Renaissance for some light-hearted madrigals.

Musical Director, Amy Moore, leads the choir, soloist, and accompanist Janette Norcott.