Today we share two short movements from Poulenc’s fabulous Gloria. The famous opening of the first movement is an extravagantly joyous Gallic celebration. This always makes me feel like people are lifting glasses of champagne and shouting “Vive la France!” It is interesting that when the chorus comes in, and throughout this movement, the harmonies are often minor or even diminished. These are usually harmonies used to depict sorrow or tragedy. Not here! The party never stops in this movement. It’s almost as if Poulenc were saying, “To hell with life’s problems, I’m going to have a good time tonight!” The fourth movement continues in this vein and is over before you know it! Organist Renée Anne Louprette and the French colors of the Manton Memorial Organ provide a marvelous accompaniment.

– Dennis Keene, Artistic Director

POULENC Movements I & IV of Gloria

Voices of Ascension
Dennis Keene, Artistic Director
Renée Anne Louprette, Organ

Recorded live January 25, 2018, at Church of the Ascension
The singers in this performance are represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists, AFL-CIO.