One of the members of Les Six, a group of avante garde French composers, Francis Poulenc was one of the twentieth century's most notable composers of sacred choral music. Much of this dynamic music is gentle with a mystic sense of simplicity. There are often passages with a rocking alternation of chords with false harmonic relations. Selections from this wonderful recording by then Robert Shaw Festival Singers include the Mass in G major, Four Short Prayers of Saint Francis as well as motets for Christmas and Penitence. The music of Poulenc is must for any collection. |
