Poulenc - Chamber Music

Francis Poulenc

Chamber Music

Ensemble Wein-Berlin

James Levine (Piano)

Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano

Sonata for Clarinet and Piano

Elegy for Horn and Piano

Sonata for Flute and Piano

Sextuor for piano, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon & horn

This is by far the most scintillating compilation of Poulenc chamber works before the public today, offering a repertoire of compositions spanning the composer's career, and performed by artists of consummate sensibility, elan and charm.

Poulenc [1899-1963], whose chamber music can be variable, is ardently championed here in pieces that are, for the most part, his most popular, with the possible exception of the masterful Elegy for Horn and Piano (the composer's hommage to the exceptional hornist, Dennis Brain).

How completely endearing is the Ensemble Wien-Berlin, with maestro James Levine at the piano. At every turn, these musicians make this music their own, keeping it full of warmth and humanity. From the opening Presto of the Trio for Piano, Oboe and Bassoon, which exudes a contagious and spirited wit, to the melancholy Romanza of the Sonata for Clarinet and Piano, and the lovely Cantilena of the Sonata for Flute and Piano, to the haunting Elegy for Horn and, finally, through the thoroughly sunny Sextet, one is held musically captive completely.

A finer introduction to these glorious Poulenc works I couldn't imagine. With artists of this calibre digging in and letting loose, and recorded sound to match--- clear, full, alive--- this CD is absolutely unbeatable.