Luke Mayernik

Reverie Hommage a Francis Poulenc

Poignant, evocative, wistful, playful, charming. These are just a few of the many adjectives that recount Francis Poulenc's musical craft, and perhaps, even his own personal disposition. When the musical elite begin any discussion (or argument) regarding the art of Francis Poulenc, one quote patented by noted music critic Claude Rostand seems to always bubble towards the surface: 'In Poulenc, there is something of the monk and something of the rascal. ' How often we see that dichotomous but unifying strand of inspiration throughout his entire oeuvre!

With the contrasting and complimentary ingredients of both piety and playfulness thoughtfully put in place, it is the intent ofRêverie to conjure the heart of Poulenc's musical form. Rêverie is a work that combines harmonic inventiveness, melodic poignancy and rhythms sprinkled with mischievous pulses. While the work does pay homage to the master with reverence, it simultaneously summons a fresh, new perspective of these old, familiar forms-these 'ships' of our pasts. With that said, perhaps it is best to let Stravinsky take the helm: '[But] the true work of an artist is to improve upon old ships. He can only recount in his own way what has already been told. ' -Luke Mayernik

Includes score and Alto Saxophone part. Duration: 6:30