Unusual pairing has mixed results

Composer: Ravel, Chloé
Repertoire: Daphnis (Ravel) et Poulenc Gloria (Chloé)
Artists: Soloists, Chicago SO & Chorus/Haitink
Rating:  3/5
Genre: Vocal/Orchestral
Label: CSO Resound 901906

 The performances themselves are not without their disappointments; the Ravel (the complete ballet, one of the composer’s greatest works) surprisingly feels a tad tired. The Poulenc is a fabulous choral work, alternating classical poise, pathos and high spirits – part of it was said to have been inspired by the sight of some monks playing football – but though the chorus is superb, Jessica Rivera produces some distinct infelicities in the swooping lines of ‘Domine Deus, Agnus Dei’. Mixed.