Poulenc, entre ombre et lumière

It is tempting to reduce Poulenc’s music to its earthy, typical Parisian vigour. Of course there is an irresistible energy in his works just as there is melodic charm and rhythmic vitality. However, his music is not limited to these categories; there is a profound melancholy and a sometimes overwhelming contemplation. Poulenc is the composer of l’Histoire de Babar but also of the Dialogues des carmélites. The repertoire for woodwinds perfectly illustrates the ambivalence between shadow and light in the composer’s production.. This dichotomy is an echo of Poulenc’s own life, monk or scoundrel, oscillating between an exuberant fantasy and his particularly intense Catholic faith. Over these two concerts, you will discover Poulenc’s complete works for winds and piano interspersed with texts echoing the life of the composer and also from the times in which these pieces were composed. An historical plunge, with the shimmering colours of period instruments.