Pascal Rogé, Sylviane Deferne, Peter Hurford, Charles Dutoit - Poulenc: Piano & Organ Concertos (1993)

Francis Poulenc (1899 - 1963) enjoys an audience for his works for the stage and for the solo piano but his grander works are usually reserved for special 'theme events' by our orchestras. This recording repairs that omission by offering three disparate works for solo instrument and orchestra. And the performances are first rate!
Pascal Roge delivers the 'Piano Concerto in C sharp minor' with all the ping and tongue in cheek fun so identified with Poulenc's music. He is joined by Charles Dutoit conducting the Philharmonia Orchestra of London in a collaborative event that respects the surging melodic statements so often missing in Poulenc's concerto performances. Much the same can be said for the less often performed 'Concerto for 2 pianos & orchestra in D minor', a brief but stunning work here played by Pascal Roge and Sylviane Deferne.
The dramatic and showy 'Concerto for organ, strings & timpani in G minor' is a given a grand performance by Peter Hurford with Dutoit and the Philharmonia Orchestra of London recorded in St. Albans Cathedral with all the ambient sound the work requires. It is a beautifully realized climax to this very fine CD. Recommended.