Stabat Mater, Litanies, Quatre Motets

Francis Poulenc, who had a reputation for novelty, rebellion, and being free-spirited, also became a leading exponent of choral and sacred music during the 1930s after a life crisis sent him on a pilgrimage to the sacred shrine of the Black Madonna of Rocamadour. The sensitively lit interiors of St. Wulfram's Church, Grantham and Jesus College Chapel, Cambridge, provide an enveloping setting for the massed choirs of St. John's, Clare, Gonville and Caius Colleges as they perform Poulenc's "Stabat Mater," the "Litanies à la Vierge Noir," and the "Quatre Motets Pour un Temps de Pénitence," together with the BBC Philharmonic under the direction of Christopher Robinson. An illustrated booklet with background information in English, French and German; full texts of the pieces performed with English translations; and an insightful documentary about Black Madonnas and the pilgrim experience, are valuable enhancements (although a “virtual tour” of the Rocamadour shrine is less satisfying). Highly recommended for music and religious studies collections, in particular, as well as general collections. Aud: C, P. (J. Reed)