Lenten Listening
[Reposted]
ERIC R. writes:
As we approach Holy Week, I offer a Lenten listening suggestion: Francis Poulenc’s Sept Repons de Teneabrea, for orchestra, soprano and choir. Composed in 1961 and first performed at Lincoln Center in New York in 1963, it is based on the Latin texts of the Responsories for Holy Week.
Born in Paris in 1899, Poulenc led a debauched life. And judging from my cursory internet research, there does not seem to be any change in his scandalous behavior, even up until his death. He was described by a critic as “part monk, part guttersnipe.” His father was devoutly Catholic and a highly successful businessman. His success allowed Poulenc the financial independence to compose. I find this interesting. Not only in that the strong faith of a father can instill a deep seated affection for religion, but that his wealth allowed for his son to compose for us! We need fathers to instill the faith in the family, because we need the faith. And we need the wealthy, because we need art and culture. (more…)


