Sir James reflects on how Poulenc, a modern composer, gave him permission in expressing his Catholicism. In this setting of the Gloria—meant for a concert performance—one can also discern a playfulness in the text, which points to the playful dimension of the liturgy. The conversation even explores some of the links between music and sports, as Poulenc was known to have been inspired to compose this piece after seeing Benedictine monks playing soccer.
Performed by: Vienna Symphony Orchestra; Manfred Honeck, Conductor; Singverein der Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde, Choir; Diana Damrau, Soprano:
