Sonate Pour Clarinette Et Piano / Sonate Pour Hautbois Et Piano / Aubade, Poème Chorégraphique Pour Piano Et Dix Huit Instruments

Released in 1960 on the French label Le Chant du Monde, this recording captures a significant slice of Francis Poulenc’s chamber and instrumental repertoire. The album was produced during a period when the composer’s works were being actively cataloged and celebrated by French ensembles, with this specific collection featuring the nuanced interpretations of pianist Jacques Février, a long-time collaborator and close friend of Poulenc. By pairing the clarinet and oboe sonatas with the Aubade, the release offers a focused look at the composer’s shifting moods, ranging from his characteristic melodic wit to the more introspective, neo-classical poise that defined his mid-century output.

The production reflects the mid-century European focus on high-fidelity captures of contemporary classical music, utilizing the Orchestre de l’Association des Concerts Lamoureux under the direction of Serge Baudo. The design and presentation were typical of Le Chant du Monde’s aesthetic, which often favored a stark, dignified approach to cover art to emphasize the seriousness of the performances within. These recordings were well-received for their technical clarity and the deep musical understanding displayed by the soloists, who were uniquely positioned to convey Poulenc's intended spirit and delicate phrasing to a burgeoning post-war audience.