Monk and Knave… Poulenc: Improvisations, Napoli & Nocturnes

Michael Bell (piano)

Perhaps no other composer so successfully embraces his own contradictions as Francis Poulenc. Described as both “monk and knave”, his music artfully shifts between profundity and irreverence, sentiment and acerbic wit, pathos and modernity. His solo piano music is still underplayed with good recordings in short supply. The three works on this sumptuous new disc span his life; two ongoing sets and a suite. In all of these Michael Bell exudes élan, with virtuosic spontaneity and tender nostalgia in equal measure. For the many who love this most idiosyncratic composer, it is a release most certainly not to be missed!

£11.99
SH349CD

Francis Poulenc: 10 Improvisations, FP 63

I. No. 1 in B minor. Presto ritmico

II. No. 2 in A flat major. Assez animé

III. No. 3 in B minor. Presto très sec

IV. No. 4 in A flat major. Presto con fuoco

V. No. 5 in A minor. Modéré sans lenteur

VI. No. 6 in B flat major. A toute vitesse

VII. No. 7 in C major. Modéré sans lenteur

VIII. No. 8 in A minor. Presto

IX. No. 9 in D major. Presto possible

X. No. 10 in F major “Éloge des gammes”. Modéré sans trainer

Francis Poulenc: 2 Improvisations, FP 113

I. No. 1 in G minor. Assez animé

II. No. 2 in E flat major “Hommage à Schubert”. Mouvt de Valse

Francis Poulenc: 2 Improvisations, FP 170

I. No. 1 in A minor. Allegretto commodo

II. No. 2 in D flat major. Allegretto

Francis Poulenc: Improvisation No. 15 in C minor “Hommage à Édith Piaf”

Francis Poulenc: Napoli - suite for piano

I. Barcarolle (Assez animé)

II. Nocturne (Lent)

III. Caprice Italien (Presto(

Francis Poulenc: 8 Nocturnes

I. No. 1 in C major

II. No. 2 in A major (Bal de jeunes filles)

III. No. 3 in F major (Les Cloches de Malines)

IV. No. 4 in C minor

V. No. 5 in D mnor (Phalènes)

VI. No. 6 in G major

VII. No. 7 in E flat major

VIII. No. 8 in G major (pour servir de coda au cycle)

Recorded in Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon, GB on 8th June 2025 to 9th June 2025
Recording Engineering: Mark Hartt-Palmer
Recording Production: Peter Seabourne

SH349     View Booklet     UPC: 8033776713494

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