Poulenc: Complete Chamber Works

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Amazon.co.uk Here's nearly two and a half hours of unadulterated listening pleasure. The chamber output of Frenchman Francis Poulenc (1899-1963) spans some four decades and more, from the tartly modernist cavortings of the very Stravinskian Sonata for two clarinets (1918), via the insouciant charms of both the Trio for oboe, bassoon and piano (his first big chamber success from 1926) and Sextet (1932-9) as well as the substantial, deeply felt wartime sonatas for violin and cello, to the three sonatas for woodwind he penned in his twilight years (including the deliciously tuneful, deservedly popular Flute Sonata of 1957). There's a healthy sprinkling of comparative rarities, too, not least the poignant little Sarabande for solo guitar (1960) as well as the even briefer, haunting Villanelle (1938) for piccolo and piano. Not only do the members of the Nash Ensemble bring an abundant technical flair to everything they survey, they also don't miss out on that peculiar mix of the frothy, madcap and sublime that are such trademarks of Poulenc's inimitable mode of expression. 1999, this composer's centenary year, furnished no more rewarding haul than this immaculately produced Hyperion anthology, which must receive the heartiest of welcomes. --Andrew Achenbach Product Description This collection of the complete chamber music of Poulenc shows the varying styles that he employed. From the jazzy, bitonal passages of the Sonata for Clarinet and Bassoon and the Sonata for Horn, Trumpet and Trombone which has been described as 'Pergolesi with his wig awry' (Roger Nichols, Grove) to the profound beauty of his last three sonatas for wind. All are extremely accessible. The Nash Ensemble gave a series of concerts of Poulenc's music at the Wigmore Hall earlier this year to great critical acclaim and Hyperion are delighted to be able to present this wonderful collection on this, Poulenc's centenary year. Review GRAMOPHONE EDITOR'S CHOICE BBC CD REVIEW 'DISC OF THE MONTH' 'Thirteen pieces lovingly brought to life by the Nash Ensemble. For once, the word 'jewel-box' for the CD container sounds about right.' (BBC CD Review) 'Entrancing. It's hard to select the choicest treasures from this jewel box of Poulenc's most witty and vivacious, hauntingly melodic and touchingly heartfelt music, especially when it is played with such effervescence and devotion as here. The two masterpieces are the Sextet for Piano and Winds (1932) and the delectable "Mozartian" Trio for Piano, Oboe and Bassoon, played with dashing elan and soulful lyricism by the pianist Ian Brown and the Nash's brilliant wind principals. Richard Watkins's long-breathed account of the moving Elégie in memoriam Dennis Brain (1957) and Paul Watkins's noble-toned playing of the Cello Sonata (1940/48) are exceptional. But there is rapture, elation, zany high spirits in all of this music, dazzlingly played by the Nash Ensemble. Buy, buy, buy!' (The Sunday Times) 'A set which will surely and deservedly be popular.' (BBC Music Magazine) 'Thoroughly excellent' (The Observer) 'Those who treasure performances of this music should hear this recording to discover the insights which the very best of today's musicians bring to these scores' (Classic Express) 'An altogether first-class collection if Poulenc's very individual chamber music output played with real sensitivity ... .outstanding performances. The whole issue wins my enthusiastic recommendation: it bids fair to become the undisputed yardstick for the future.' (Gramophone) 'It would be hard to imagine more consistently on-target presentations of Poulenc's chamber music or more appropriate sound reproduction. Highly recommended' --(Fanfare, USA)