Francis Poulenc Plays Poulenc & Satie - Pierre Bernac Sings •Singt • Chante Chabrier

This compilation, released as part of the Masterworks Portrait series in 1992, draws from historic recording sessions featuring the legendary partnership of composer-pianist Francis Poulenc and baritone Pierre Bernac. These recordings capture the essence of the French mélodie tradition, capturing the intimate, witty, and often melancholic atmosphere that defined their collaboration from the 1930s through the mid-20th century. The collection serves as an essential archival document, preserving the duo's specific interpretive approach to works by Poulenc, Satie, and Chabrier, which were instrumental in establishing the modern French vocal repertoire.

The Masterworks Portrait series was designed to curate and reissue significant historical performances from the Sony Classical archives, providing listeners with remastered access to definitive interpretations. By focusing on the direct involvement of Poulenc as both performer and composer, this disc offers a unique historical perspective on his musical intentions. The release was well-received by critics and musicologists alike for its clarity of transfer and its service in keeping the interpretative nuances of the mid-century French school accessible to new generations of listeners.