How I learned to stop worrying and love Poulenc's "Gloria"

By Brendan Nystedt, Bass, Magnolia Chorale

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​​Singing with Magnolia Chorale for about a year now, I've come to appreciate the eclectic and interesting song selection every semester. There are always songs I'm attracted to right away, and this December you'll get to hear "Baba Yetu," which, as the kids might say, is a bop. I'm really looking forward to singing this again after giving it a go at Seattle Sings last month—it's heartfelt, soulful, and crackling with energy.
 
That said, sometimes it takes a minute for me to warm up to some of our pieces, and I'm always a little skeptical at first. 
 
Upon first encountering Francis Poulenc's Gloria I thought to myself, “Oh great, another French guy doing church music with lyrics from the Latin mass." But, to Poulenc, I offer a humble mea culpa as the composer's version is way more than what it seems. This relatively modern piece debuted in Boston in 1961. 
 
According to the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the second movement of Gloria was inspired by a group of Benedictine monks Poulenc saw playing soccer. The playfulness of the piece completely made sense when I read that—its lilting lyrics and pulsing rhythm feel like the stop-and-go of a player trying to keep tabs on a ball. There's a sense of building momentum in this piece that can't be denied. I think Poulenc's slightly cheeky, slightly reverent mix of elements here is inspired. Far too many pieces of choral music lack the clear sense of humor on display, and it's a much-needed tonal break that truly makes Gloria a journey. 
 
At the same time, I feel like it's a far more traditional-sounding piece than his forbear Faure, whose music we explored in late 2024. Like with Faure, now I have Poulenc on the brain. Those charming monks playing soccer won me over and the melodies of Gloria are worming their way into my brain and heart, as I hope they will into yours when you see us perform “From Mystery to Majesty” on December 13 and 14th at Magnolia Lutheran Church! Tickets available online, or at the door. 

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