Francis Poulenc: Vinea mea electa: Chœur Mixte A Cappella

The pain and suffering of Passiontide is evoked in the austere texts of these four motets. Using somber, bittersweet harmonies and angular melodies alongside more comfortable, chorale-like textures, Poulenc creates rapid,effective changes of mood. Though the performance of this music is challenging, its passionate spirituality makes the task worthwhile.