In Relief

“You find both clarity and pain in French music, just as in German and Russian music, but the French have a sharper sense of proportions. We realize that gloominess and good cheer do not exclude each other. Our composers also write profound music, but when they do, it is seasoned with spiritual lightness, without which life would be unbearable.”

In this way, Francis Poulenc described French music and thus summarizes to a large extent his own music and personality. When S:t Jacob’s Chamber Choir performs his sublime Mass in G major, An Evening of Snow, and the sacred motets Four Motets for a Time of Penitence, the opportunity is given to immerse oneself in French sorrow and lightness.

As a counterpoint to Poulenc’s music, there are some organ pieces by Poulenc’s French contemporary, the visionary Jehan Alain.

Programme
Francis Poulenc Mässa G-dur (1937)
Francis Poulenc Un Soir de Neige (1944)
Francis Poulenc Timor et tremor & Vinea mea electa
from Quatre Motets Pour un Temps de Pénitence (1939)
Jehan Alain Première & Deuxième Fantaisies
Jehan Alain Le jardin suspendu

S:t Jacob’s Chamber Choir
Mattias Wager organ
Gary Graden conductor

No big bags, trolleys or prams are allowed into the church.