Poulenc’s choral music was all written after 1936, when the tragic death of a close friend led to a religious epiphany. Its seriousness and intensity contrast with his more frivolous secular style, but these works make perfect companion pieces for the pure counterpoint of the great Renaissance master, Palestrina.
Performers
The Sixteen
Harry Christophers conductor
Programme
Poulenc Salve Regina
Palestrina ‘Surge amica mea’ and ‘Surgam et circuibo civitatem’ from Song of Songs
Palestrina Parce mihi, Domine
Poulenc Quatre motets pour un temps de penitence
Palestrina Peccantem me quotidie
Palestrina ‘Kyrie’, ‘Gloria’ and ‘Credo’ from Missa L’Homme Armé
Poulenc Un soir de neige
Palestrina Salve Regina
Poulenc ‘Agnus Dei’ from Mass in G
Pre-concert talk 6.30pm
Harry Christophers discusses the evening’s programme with a singer from The Sixteen.