Composer: Francis Poulenc
Works: Stabat Mater, Litanies à la Vierge Noire, Quatre Motets pour un temps de pénitence
Performers: Judith Howarth, soprano; Choirs of Gonville and Caius Colleges, Cambridge; BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Recording: St. Wulfram’s Church, Grantham, UK (Stabat Mater); Jesus College, Cambridge, UK (Litanies and Motets); conducted by Christopher Robinson (Stabat Mater), Geoffrey Webster (Litanies), Timothy Brown (Motets)
Label: Virgin
Francis Poulenc, a quintessential figure of the French musical landscape, oscillated between the sacred and the secular throughout his career. The works presented in this DVD—spanning from the Litanies à la Vierge Noire and the Quatre Motets pour un temps de pénitence to the Stabat Mater—emerge from a deeply personal crucible of grief and spiritual reflection. Following the tragic death of his friend Pierre-Octave Ferroud in 1936, Poulenc sought solace in the church, leading to a profound exploration of his Catholic faith. This DVD encapsulates that journey, offering a compelling presentation of Poulenc’s sacred choral music, enriched by a valuable context of Marian symbolism and its relevance to the composer.
The performances are anchored by the combined choirs of Clare and Gonville and Caius Colleges, Cambridge, whose disciplined sound and vibrant tonal clarity bring Poulenc’s intricate polyphony to life. The interpretation of the Stabat Mater, under the baton of Christopher Robinson, is particularly noteworthy. The choir achieves a remarkable balance between fervor and restraint, allowing the poignant text to resonate with a deeply felt emotional weight. Judith Howarth’s soprano shines with a regal simplicity; her delivery in the “Paradisi Gloria” section is especially commendable for its soaring lyricism, which captures the essence of maternal suffering with grace and power. The ending of the Stabat Mater—punctuated by Poulenc’s characteristic unresolved dissonance—leaves the listener in a state of contemplative suspension, a testament to the composer’s knack for unsettling beauty.
The DVD also features the Litanies à la Vierge Noire, conducted by Geoffrey Webster. While some may prefer the version with strings and timpani for its additional textural depth, the organ accompaniment here retains the work’s austere yet fervent character. The ensemble’s execution of the motets, led by Timothy Brown, showcases a commitment to precision and clarity, particularly in the solo passages that are handled with both restraint and an imaginative interpretation of Poulenc’s harmonic language. Each motet serves as a microcosm of Poulenc’s unique voice—lyrical, rhythmic, and deeply expressive.
The engineering and overall production quality merit high praise. The recording captures the resonant acoustics of St. Wulfram’s Church effectively, allowing the music to breathe while preserving the clarity of individual voices. The cinematography, led by Ferenc van Damme, adheres to a judicious approach that avoids excessive embellishment. The focus remains on the performers, with carefully chosen cutaways to the church’s serene environment that complement rather than distract from the musical experience. The inclusion of a virtual visit to Rocamadour adds an enriching layer, contextualizing Poulenc’s inspirations with a hauntingly beautiful score by James Whitbourn.
This DVD stands not only as an exceptional representation of Poulenc’s sacred works but also as a rich educational resource that illuminates the interplay between his faith and artistry. The intertwining of historical context, exquisite performances, and thoughtful production creates a moving and compelling document of some of Poulenc’s finest music. The combination of musical integrity and profound emotional resonance makes this recording an essential addition to the library of any serious music lover or scholar.
