When the New York Woodwind Quintet recorded Poulenc's sextet Samuel Baron writes in the liner notes that the 20th century French composer "has earned for himself the reputation as one of the most entertaining 'serious' composers of our time. He is not afraid to write a melody his audiences can whistle, yet he is apt to underline it with a piquant harmony that immediately transforms what might be a French music hall tune into a theme of striking and haunting originality."
Hear this chamber piece as well as an exclusive interview with pianist and composer Vijay Iyer, who is in town as a McIlroy Family Visiting Professor in Performing and Visual Arts for the University of Arkansas, and will perform a free concert with his trio at the Faulkner Performing Arts Center.
