Denise Duval, Poulenc's muse has died, aged 94.
LA VOIX HUMAINE
LA VOIX HUMAINE
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Thank you for posting this sad news. Her recording of Les mamelles de Tiresias was the 'key in the door' to Poulenc's music for me, and over the last 30 years or so I have performed and coached La courte paille, Poulenc's final song cycle, written for her, many times.
Thank you, Denise Duval, RIP.
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You are welcome, Roslymuse.
I didn't know her, but I spoke to her over twenty years ago on the telephone (how appropriate!) about repertoire, and Poulenc in particular. I am a high lyric tenor and she was convinced for most of the call that I was a mezzo soprano! She was utterly charming and most helpful.
I visited Poulenc's grave at Père Lachaise last year and was unbearably moved as I found myself humming some of his mélodies.Comment
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Ah yes, I made the pilgrimage to Père Lachaise about twenty years ago.
The excerpts from La courte paille that you have linked in post 3 are (or used to be) available on a DVD of 'Poulenc and Friends'.Comment
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Indeed - echoed here. Sadly (now), I listened to some of her recordings and looked at photos of her this weekend, when searching for photos on the 'composers pictures' thread.Originally posted by Roslynmuse View PostThank you, Denise Duval, RIP.
I thought this was a wonderful portrait of Poulenc and his muse:
O I agree - I've been a couple of times, most recently on All Souls' Day 2012, when I took this:Originally posted by Nevilevelis View Post
"...the isle is full of noises,
Sounds and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not.
Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments
Will hum about mine ears, and sometime voices..."
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Wonderful photos, Cali...Comment
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Seconded - Thanks, Caliban.Comment
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