Poulenc: Figure humaine, and other Choral Works

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

...--- 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... Read review

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Advantages: Some outstanding works, a balanced album
Disadvantages: None

...The first CD in this fine collection of Stanford's choral works, this compilation delivers well. This collection focuses on the first period of his choral work, 'Cambridge Years'. Dominating the tracklisting are settings of the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis. Particularly outstanding are those in B flat and F. You cannot fail to be moved by either the depth of bass in the Nunc Dimittis of the former, or by the triumphal crescendoes in the Magnificat of the latter that demonstrate this composer's temendous ability to bring words to life. The other settings, in E flat and A, are no less majestic. However, it is perhaps hard to appreciate these as one should when they are found on the same disc as those aforementioned. The rest of the CD provides a good contrast to the Evening settings. The anthems and motets provide for a more rounded... Read review

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Advantages: Breadth of choral works, expert musicianship
Disadvantages: None

...Charting Stanford's greatest works of the 'Edwardian Years', the second CD in this collection is as well constructed and balanced as the others. The Evening Service in G is perhaps the most familiar setting by Stanford, and for good reason. The soaring treble of the Magnificat is sublime and expertly sung. Following this the Nunc Dimittis features a bass solo that, again flawlessly sung, produces an unrivalled atmosphere of reverence. Unlike the other two CDs in the collection, more space is given to choral works other than settings of the Evening Service. The Morning Service in C allows exploration of Stanford's construction of music to set words, whilst the collection of Hymns and Bible Songs showcase his own creativity of music and lyrics. Among the hymns are some that will be instantly recognisable - 'Let Us With A Gladsome Mind... Read review

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