In last week’s Music Monday, we heard a snippet of Francis Poulenc in George Shearing’s recording. Today, we’ll listen to the piece Shearing referenced in that recording!
Shearing took an excerpt from the third movement of Poulenc’s Trois mouvements perpétuels for his rendition of “On the Street Where You Live.” Shearing slowed it WAY down, so its character significantly differs from the fast-paced, jovial mood in the original.
What I find really interesting about Shearing’s reference is that he did not choose a section from the more recognizable parts of this movement; he excerpted a transitional section that appears only fleetingly. I can see why, though! It’s a magical moment where the colors and mood change in the blink of an eye, before returning to the light and airy main theme.
The main reason I was able to pick out this reference as I half-listened to the Shearing recording was because my best friend in college (hi, T!) played this suite. This piece really requires a person to make the entire suite sound effortless, like a jaunty stroll through the park, despite its many technical and interpretive challenges.
Something about Poulenc’s music has always resonated with me. His compositions have a singular sound about them, and I enjoy the dry humor sprinkled throughout so many of his works. Someday I’m sure I’ll write more about him.
For now, enjoy some Poulenc, performed by pianist Pascal Rogé, to start your week. See if you can pinpoint the excerpt Shearing used!
Riffs on the Reg 