Chœurs A Cappella

Released in 1987 by EMI, this recording captures a definitive collection of choral works by Francis Poulenc, a central figure of the French group Les Six. The album features the Groupe Vocal de France under the direction of John Alldis, with organ accompaniment provided by Marie-Claire Alain. It serves as an exploration of Poulenc's distinct harmonic language, which often balanced sacred austerity with a playful, modernist sensibility.

The recording highlights the complexity of Poulenc's a cappella writing, characterized by intricate textures and rhythmic vitality that demand high technical precision. At the time of its release, the project was highly regarded for its clarity and the nuanced vocal execution of the Groupe Vocal de France. It remains a notable reference point for twentieth-century choral repertoire, reflecting the collaborative efforts of established European classical performers in the late twentieth-century recording tradition.