Dive into the captivating world of Francis Poulenc's Piano Works, a remarkable collection of solo piano compositions that showcase the composer's versatility and artistic evolution. Released on Meridian Records in July 2025, this album spans a duration of 1 hour and 12 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of neoclassical and classical pieces that highlight Poulenc's unique voice in the 20th-century French musical landscape.
The album features a diverse array of compositions, including the intricate and expressive 10 Improvisations (1932-34), which are short, evocative pieces that capture a single motif or theme. These are complemented by the playful and rhythmic 2 Improvisations (1941), the introspective and lyrical 2 Improvisations (1958), and the hauntingly beautiful Improvisation No. 15 in C Minor, dedicated to Édith Piaf. The 3 Novelettes (1927-28, 1958) offer a blend of styles, from the lively and rhythmic to the serene and contemplative, including a tribute to Manuel de Falla. The 2 Intermezzi (1934) and the later Intermezzo (1943) provide moments of contrast and reflection, while the Presto in B-Flat Major (1934) and the Thème varié (1951) showcase Poulenc's mastery of form and structure. The album concludes with the melancholic and introspective Mélancolie (1940), a piece that encapsulates the depth and emotional resonance of Poulenc's music.
Francis Poulenc, a French composer and pianist, is celebrated for his contributions to various musical genres, including songs, solo piano works, chamber music, choral pieces, operas, ballets, and orchestral concert music. His compositions often reflect a light and ironic touch, as seen in works like the piano suite Napoli (1925). This album offers a comprehensive exploration of Poulenc's piano works, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of his artistic vision and musical innovation. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Poulenc's music or a newcomer to his work, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
(C) 2025 Meridian Records(P) 2025 Meridian Records
Tracks
10 Improvisations, FP 63 (1932-34): No. 1 in B Minor. Presto ritmicoFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
10 Improvisations, FP 63 (1932-34): No. 2 in A-Flat Major. Assez animéFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
10 Improvisations, FP 63 (1932-34): No. 3 in B Minor. Presto très secFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
10 Improvisations, FP 63 (1932-34): No. 4 in A-Flat Major. Presto con fuocoFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
10 Improvisations, FP 63 (1932-34): No. 5 in A Minor. Modéré sans lenteurFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
10 Improvisations, FP 63 (1932-34): No. 6 in B-Flat Major. A toute vitesseFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
10 Improvisations, FP 63 (1932-34): No. 7 in C Major. Modéré sans lenteurFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
10 Improvisations, FP 63 (1932-34): No. 8 in A Minor. PrestoFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
10 Improvisations, FP 63 (1932-34): No. 9 in D Major. Presto possibleFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
10 Improvisations, FP 63 (1932-34): No. 10 in F Major “Éloge des gammes”. Modéré sans trainerFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
2 Improvisations, FP 113 (1941): No. 1 in G Minor. Assez animéFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
2 Improvisations, FP 113 (1941): No. 2 in E-Flat Major “Hommage à Schubert”. Mouvt de ValseFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
2 Improvisations, FP 170 (1958): No. 1 in A Minor. Allegretto commodoFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
2 Improvisations, FP 170 (1958): No. 2 in D-Flat Major. AllegrettoFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
Improvisation No. 15: In C Minor “Hommage à Édith Piaf”Francis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
3 Novelettes, FP 47/173 (1927-28): No. 1 in C Major. Modéré sans lenteurFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
3 Novelettes, FP 47/173 (1927-28): No. 2 in B-Flat minor. Très rapide et rhythméFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
3 Novelettes, FP 47/173 (1958): No. 3 in E Minor "Sur un thème de Manuel da Falla". Andantino tranquilloFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
2 Intermezzi, FP 71 (1934): No. 1 in C Major. Presto con fuocoFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
2 Intermezzi, FP 71 (1934): No. 2 in D-Flat Major. Assez modéré mais sans lenteurFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
Intermezzo, FP 118 (1943): No. 3. Intermezzo in A-Flat Major. Très allant, tout droit, sans rubatoFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
Presto in B-Flat Major, FP 70 (1934): Presto possibleFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
Thème varié, FP 151 (1951): Très calme et sans hâteFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
Mélancolie, FP 105 (1940): Très modéréFrancis Poulenc, Paul Berkowitz
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