Francis Poulenc's Stabat Mater and Gloria are two of his best-known and perhaps most important choral works with orchestra. The Stabat Mater was referred to by Poulenc himself as a “requiem without despair” and is one of the most poignant musical works of 20th century France. In contrast, exuberant jubilation, cheerful resolve, inner tranquility and simple beauty are attributes of the masterfully brilliant Gloria.
Separating the two choral works are four symphonic fragments of Le martyre de Saint Sébastien by Claude Debussy, in which Debussy's encounters with the music of Wagner and Palestrina music have left their indelible mark.
Francis Poulenc (1899-1963) — Stabat Mater & Gloria
Claude Debussy (1862-1918) — Le martyre de Saint Sébastien, fragments symphoniques