Search - Poulenc, Hahn, New London Orchestra :: Aubade / Sinfinietta

Poulenc described his Aubade (Morning Song) as a "choreographic concerto." Scored for piano and wind instruments, it can be played either independently or danced as a ballet, in which case it has a plot from Greek mythology concerning the Goddess Diana. The Sinfonietta, by contrast, is a purely abstract effort that began life as a string quartet. Poulenc never really liked stringed instruments, however, so he expanded the work into its full orchestral final form. Hahn's incidental score, like the Aubade, is also written for an unusual ensemble consisting largely of winds and harps. These performances are as lovely as the music. --David Hurwitz