Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Francis Poulenc's piano works with this captivating album, released on April 21, 1987, under the Decca Music Group Ltd. label. Spanning a duration of one hour and six minutes, this collection is a treasure trove of neoclassical and classical compositions that showcase Poulenc's unique musical language and inventive spirit.
The album opens with "Les soirées de Nazelles, FP 84," a suite of eight pieces that exude charm and wit, each movement named after a different social grace. Following this, you'll find "Deux novellettes, FP 47," two contrasting pieces that highlight Poulenc's ability to blend lyricism with rhythmic vitality. The "Novelette on a Theme of Manuel de Falla, FP 173" pays homage to the Spanish composer, while the "Pastourelle (de 'L'Eventail de Jeanne'), FP 45" offers a pastoral interlude.
Poulenc's "Trois mouvements perpétuels, FP 14" is a set of three perpetual motions that are as playful as they are technically demanding. The "Valse, FP 17" is a delightful waltz that showcases Poulenc's gift for melody. The "Improvisations" series, comprising 15 pieces in total, demonstrates Poulenc's improvisatory skills and his ability to create compelling music from simple harmonic progressions. The album concludes with "Trois pièces, FP 48," a set of three pieces that range from the serene "Pastorale" to the exhilarating "Toccata."
This album is a testament to Francis Poulenc's genius and his enduring influence on classical music. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this collection is sure to captivate and inspire.