AMP Recordings

The Westhuizen Duo’s recording of Francis Poulenc’s Works for Two Pianos features The Duo’s charming, lyrical, and brilliant performance of Poulenc’s stylistically diversified works for two pianos.

No single word such as “Classical” or “Romantic” can capture Francis Poulenc’s elusive musical personality. It is safe to say that Poulenc’s music is at best, stylistically diversified. All of these traits are evident in the works on this recording. The Concerto represents a myriad of stylistic allusions: note the sweet reference to Mozart in the second movement, as well as references to Balinese gamelan ending the first movement, and Emanuel Chabrier’s unmistakable voice – among others – in the last movement. The Sonata shows Poulenc’s serious, dramatic bent, which echoes his operatic and choral works. These two large works are contrasted with three shorter works that show how hard it is to pinpoint Poulenc’s voice. The Capriccio’s biting character and humor present a stark contrast to the soulful Elegie, which in turn is almost made to seem self-conscious by the frivolity of the Valse-musette.