Search - Francis Poulenc, Songmakers' Almanac [members of], Felicity Lott :: Voyage à Paris ~ The Melodies of Francis Poulenc / Lott, Murray, Rolfe Johnson, G. Johnson

Voyage à Paris ~ The Melodies of Francis Poulenc / Lott, Murray, Rolfe Johnson, G. Johnson
Francis Poulenc, Songmakers' Almanac [members of], Felicity Lott
Voyage à Paris ~ The Melodies of Francis Poulenc / Lott, Murray, Rolfe Johnson, G. Johnson
Genres: Pop, Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (30) - Disc #1

Poulenc's songs are some of the finest of this century. His method of writing was unusual. He would set bits of text as the music occurred to him, a few bars at a time. Sometimes the process would take months, even year...  more »

     
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Poulenc's songs are some of the finest of this century. His method of writing was unusual. He would set bits of text as the music occurred to him, a few bars at a time. Sometimes the process would take months, even years. The result is music that changes mood in the blink of an eye, and it was Poulenc's gift that he was able to create such a seamless line from musical fragments that might seem to have very little in common with each other at all. From the audience's standpoint, his songs are among the most fun to listen to. Poulenc enjoyed a good laugh, loved the music of the Parisian cafes and nightclubs, and wasn't afraid of tossing anything he heard into a song if he felt that it belonged there. As these bright and idiomatic performances demonstrate, the result is totally delightful. --David Hurwitz

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CD Reviews

Ahhh... Poulenc... an incredible composer, a beautiful CD!
Kimberly G. Shealy | USA | 01/22/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a classically trained vocalist, I simply cannot recommend this album enough! I have fallen in love with Felicity Lott's interpretation of Poulenc and the beautiful upper register of her voice. Graham Johnson's accompaniment is clear and precise throughout the album (I am especially fond of the crisp chords in Paganini). I highly recommend this recording to any classical music lover and especially anyone interested in French melodie."
Surprisingly good
S. Olbash | San Francisco, CA | 01/20/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)

"I don't always enjoy Felicity Lott's singing on other recordings of French and English songs. She's prone to fluttery vibrato and mushy diction, neither of which is evident in this recording. Here she is in command of the high pianissimo and, where necessary a warm, opulent tone. She really lets loose in the more outgoing numbers and is not at all mannered in her diction. Graham Johnson is brilliant as always, finding a distinct persona in every piano part. Anyone with an interest in Poulenc should own his complete songs, but this disc is a worth having as well."