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Wednesday
6 May, 7 pm
at St George's Church, Kemp Town, Brighton
with Helen Adams (soprano)
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The Gloria by Francis
Poulenc was commissioned by the Koussevitsky Foundation in honour of the Russian-born
conductor and composer Sergei Koussevitzky and his wife. It was written between May and
December 1959 and first performed in Boston in January 1961, with Charles Münch as
conductor.
Francis Poulenc was one of a group of young French composers who became known as "Les
Six", aiming to break away from traditional shackles, and particularly from the rival
influences of Germanic formality and French impressionism. They aimed in their own music
for a direct and simple style. |
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Poulenc’s very
distinctive style relies principally on strong musical contrasts. The harmony has echoes
of the dissonance of Stravinsky and the exotic but sensuous flavour of jazz. Short angular
phrases alternate with lyrical melodies; the mood changes within seconds from reverent
quiet to declamatory fortissimo. The musical palette expresses a kaleidoscopic range of
emotions beyond the literal meaning of the religious words.
The Gloria is set for eight-part chorus, soprano solo and large orchestra. There are six
movements, some very short, using the Latin sentences of the Gloria –Gloria in excelsis Deo (G major) –
Glory to God in the highest
Laudamus te (C major) – We praise thee
Domine Deus, Rex caelestis (B minor) – O Lord God, heavenly
King
Domine Fili unigenite (G major) – O Lord, only begotten son
…
Domine Deus, Agnus Dei (B flat minor) – O Lord God, Lamb of
God …
Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris (G major) – Who sits at the
right hand of the Father |
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