Faure’s Requiem and Poulenc’s Gloria

A celestial program of French Masterpieces

Fauré’s Requiem is one of choral music’s most beautiful pieces. Written by a religious skeptic, this Requiem is an intimate and contemplative work that comforts mourners while holding out the promise of eternal rest for the departed.

The Gloria is Poulenc’s best-known choral work. Composed in 1959, this work is a quilted masterpiece of musical genius. Poulenc described the tone colors of the Gloria as “very clear, primary colors—rude and violent like the Provence chapel of Matisse.” With a range of musical styles, from jazz influence to hauntingly beautiful melodies, the Gloria is a work of beauty that will excite the senses.

These wonderful French choral works are paired with two instrumental works: Fauré’s beautiful Pavane and one of Saint-Saëns’ most popular pieces, his Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso for violin.