Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2003-05-05 14:20
The Poulenc Sextet is one of the great fun pieces. It calls for a good deal of virtuosity, particularly from the pianist, and it has to be tossed off as if it were easy. American players almost always play it aggressively, which, I think, is exactly wrong. It has to be played as insouciant and witty, with a raised eyebrow rather than a rattling roar. Particularly in the slow movement, there are constant "wrong" notes -- big jumps to high notes that go just a little too far -- which have to be played with a wink.
There was a great recording by the Philadelphia Woodwind Quintet with Poulenc on piano, which may have been reissued.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
|
|