Poulenc wrote his Stabat Mater, a hauntingly passionate work, after visiting the sacred shrine of the Black Madonna of Rocamadour. Poulenc's journey profoundly changed his life and work as a composer. Like the Stabat Mater, the Litanies à la Vierge Noir is also inspired by the Black Virgin of Rocamadour. Recorded here in an unrivalled performance by the combined choirs of St. John's, Clare and Gonville and Caius Colleges, Cambridge, with the BBC Philharmonic and soprano Judith Howarth.
'Virtual visit' to the shrine of Black Madonna of Rocamadour with music by James Whitbourn inspired by Poulenc's Stabat Mater
Illustrated booklet with in-depth article on Poulenc, Rocamadour and Black Madonnas in English, French and German
Documentary - leading experts explain why the Black Madonna has always been such an enigmatic source of inspiration, particularly for musicians. (Subtitles : English-Francais-Deutsch-Espanol
Full texts in sung language with England translations
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