Poulenc: Chamber Works

Author's product rating:   

Originality
Lyrics
Quality and consistency of tracks
Value for Money	Excellent

Advantages:	Good example of early 20th century French/European music .  Cheap price
Disadvantages:	Not distinct or ground - breaking enough

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

--- INTRODUCTION ---

-QUICK FACTS-

Nationality: French
Born: Paris 1899
Died: Paris 1963
Specialist genres: Stage works, concertos, piano music.

Francis Poulenc had a relatively well-supported life, being born into a family of pharmaceutical manufacturers he never had to earn a living. Like many famous composers he began learning his skill at a very young age, at five he started the piano. He specifically tried not to in his learning process to be influenced by other major composers, so to keep his music as much his own as possible as stated by his self-description "I am a musician without a label". Influences which did affect him though were the immediate post-ww1 years which in certain parts of France had created a new atmosphere of hope and vision away from the horrors of war. Additionally the Parisian street life of cafe's, music halls and circus bands also played heavily in influencing him. From this he became part of the 'Les Six' a group of young French composers who shocked the music establishment with their avant-garde style. Later on in life he developed his music skills and co-operated with other composers of the time.

--- MUSIC ---

Poulenc himself said "Above all do not analyse my music- love it!". So in the words of the man himself I have tried not to spoil the delight of hearing fresh music for the first time, but have given a rough guideline to what style of music he has created.

Some of his most popular pieces were from his chamber music scores. Here he utilised the piano and various wind instruments including Horn, Oboe, Bassoon, Flute, Recorder, Clarinet and pipe.

One of my favourite set of songs is his sextet for Piano, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon and horn.

1. Sxt: Allegro Vivace - this is initially fast paced with energy before smoothing out to a calm melody.
2. Sxt: Divertissement: Andantino - More structured with a slow pace, interspersed are merry sections with medieval royal court sounds.
3. Sxt: Finale: Prestissimo - Quite some variety here with the speed and use of instruments.

Another piece of his music I like is his Sonata for Oboe and Piano

1. Son: Elegie: Paisiblement - Serene and slow, relaxing.
2. Son: Scherzo: Tres Anime - Focuses on piano sections, simple.
3. Son: Deploration: Tres Calme - Sad, though-provoking, distant.

Trio for Piano, Oboe and Bassoon

1. Trio: Presto: Lent - Presto - The oboe brings across Baroque style scales, crossed with slower 'darker' piano music later.
2. Trio: Andante: Andante Con Moto - Upbeat, uplifting
3. Trio: Rondo: Tres Vif - One of my favourite pieces, a more distinct 'jolly' start.

--- CONCLUSION ---

Although Poulenc was one of the top French composers of the time, on the international stage he was being out-done in terms of popularity by American and Russian composers such as Copland and Stravinsky. I would have to say that his music although highly enjoyable and of high quality isn't distinctive or ground-breaking enough. For his merit I would say he is a perfect example of the music of that particular era, but history may not bear so well on his creations. He also manages to blend very well piano and wind instruments.

If your into famous classical works than this may not be so much for you but if looking for something a bit more rare (not so much unusual though) it could be worth a look. Prices for Poulenc's chamber music vary from £3.99 up to more complete collections of his music and DVD's which come in around £12.99 to £28.99.