Francis Poulenc, praised by Arnold Schoenberg as a great lyric voice, is one of the most frequently performed and widely admired 20th century composers. The pieces chosen for this program are concise, songful and cover a wide range of emotions. They also span most of Poulenc’s career, from the Trois Mouvements Perpétuels, written at age 19 to the final Improvisations, written four years before his death at 64. Aleck Karis has made numerous recordings for Bridge, ranging from Mozart through Feldman, Stravinsky, Cage and Carter. He is a Professor of Piano at the University of California, San Diego.
Reviews:
“Karis has put together a wonderful program here, which he plays with all the panache and sensitivity it deserves. He misses none of the wit or charm and is able to project the melodic lines with beautiful phrasing. His booklet notes complement the excellent recorded sound for a collection that should be in every pianist’s library.” - American Record Guide
“Karis’ piano is warmly recorded, with a good spacious sound field. And Karis captures Poulenc’s good humor and wit throughout the program.” - Finding Beauty in Ephemera
“It is clear from the first measure that Aleck Karis is passionate and a worthy tour guide for the various works yet to come. He handles it all with aplomb.” - JWR
“One of the greatest pleasures of this CD is that the music just rolls along across your mind, delighting you as it surprises. Karis does not let his excellent natural impulses towards French music, those moments of delicacy or sensitivity, interfere with the bounce and swagger of the music. Just wonderful!” - The Art Music Lounge
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Francis Poulenc:
Intermède
Thème Varié
Trois Mouvements Perpétuels
Valse-improvisation sur le nom de BACH
Fifteen Improvisations
Badinage
Mélancolie
Trois Pièces
Aleck Karis, piano
BRIDGE 9459
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