Métamorphoses
Azica, 2025
9/10
Franci Poulenc’s vocal music is transcribed by Hongyi Mo’s violin and John Etsell’s piano, where a profound attention to detail surrounds the 7 selections.
“Métamorphoses, FP 121” opens with the graceful keys and warm strings interacting with much beauty and poeticism, and “Banalités, FP 107” follows with sublime intimacy that pairs the emotive keys with stirring violin.
In the middle, “2 Poèmes de Louis Aragon, FP 122” flows with a rich quality that’s heartfelt and touching, while “Fiançailles pour rire, FP 101” is a bit more firm on the keys, and the higher register of the strings won’t go unnoticed, either.
“Oboe Sonata, FP 185” exits, and emits cozy melodies and agile playing between the duo, where both bare and colorful moments mesh with a meticulous energy.
The pair preserve Poulenc’s emotive nature here, as much harmony, melody and imagery is present and appreciated.
Travels well with: Sarah Louise Bassingthwaighte- Orchestrating The Wild; Edward Smaldone- What No One Else Sees…