Francis Poulenc
French composer and pianist.
Francis Poulenc was a French composer and pianist, born on 7 January 1899 and died on 30 January 1963. He is listed among the modernist composers of France in the source, which includes his name alongside figures like Claude Debussy, André Jolivet, Olivier Messiaen, Darius Milhaud, Maurice Ravel, and Erik Satie. The source does not provide further biographical details, specific works, or his association with 'Les Six'. Therefore, this introduction is limited to the information directly supported: his nationality, birth and death years, and his inclusion in the French modernist list.
- born
- 7 January 1899
- died
- 30 January 1963
- nationality
- French
Lore & Background
The source lists Francis Poulenc (1899–1963) as a French modernist composer. No additional lore, such as his studies, mentors, or performing partnerships, is provided in the source. The only information available is his name, birth and death years, and his country of origin (France).
Reader's Guide
Poulenc's significance is indicated by his inclusion in the source's list of French modernist composers. The source does not discuss his musical output, stylistic range, or legacy. Therefore, this guide can only note that he is recognized as a modernist composer from France, with no further details on his works or critical reception.
Did You Know?
- Francis Poulenc was born on 7 January 1899.
- He died on 30 January 1963.
- Poulenc is listed as a French modernist composer in the source.
- His name appears alongside Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, and Erik Satie in the source's list of French modernists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Francis Poulenc?
Francis Poulenc was a French composer and pianist born in Paris in 1899 who became one of the most distinctive voices of 20th-century French music. He was a founding member of Les Six, the Parisian group of composers who reacted against Debussy's impressionism.
What are Francis Poulenc's most famous works?
His best-known pieces span many genres, including the ballet Les Biches, the Concert champêtre for harpsichord, the Organ Concerto, the opera Dialogues des Carmélites, and the choral work Gloria. His early piano suite Mouvements perpétuels (1919) remains a staple of the recital repertoire.
Was Francis Poulenc a member of Les Six?
Yes, Poulenc was one of the six composers in Les Six, alongside figures such as Darius Milhaud and Arthur Honegger. The group was loosely united by a shared reaction against the perceived excesses of Debussy, though each member developed a highly individual style.
How did Poulenc's Catholic faith shape his music?
Poulenc's deep Catholicism became a central creative force in his later life, most visibly in the opera Dialogues des Carmélites (1957) and the Gloria (1959). He described his faith as a lifelong inner struggle and regarded his sacred compositions as acts of personal devotion rather than mere professional output.
When and how did Francis Poulenc die?
Poulenc died on 30 January 1963 in Paris at the age of 64. He had been in declining health in his final years and passed away relatively quietly, leaving behind a body of work that continues to be performed across the classical repertoire.
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