Francis Poulenc

Profession: Pianist and Composer

Biography: Francis Poulenc was a French composer and pianist, notable for his distinct contribution to twentieth-century music. He was a significant member of Les Six, a group of composers—alongside Georges Auric, Louis Durey, Arthur Honegger, Darius Milhaud, and Germaine Tailleferre.

Poulenc's music embraced a unique range of styles, often characterized by its melodic invention, harmonic ingenuity, and a capacity for both deep seriousness and light-hearted wit. His extensive catalogue spans many genres, including orchestral works, choral music, opera, ballet scores, chamber music, and piano pieces. Notable works include his piano suite Trois mouvements perpétuels (1919), opera Dialogues des Carmélites (1957), and choral piece Gloria (1959).

A key collaborator with artists like Pierre Bernac and Jean-Pierre Rampal, Poulenc is also celebrated for his body of songs and chamber music. His collaborations resulted in a wealth of compositions, especially for voice and piano, that are considered central to the French art song repertoire. Throughout his life, Poulenc's works remained popular both in France and internationally, affirming his position as one of the most significant French composers of his time.

Born: January 7, 1899
Birthplace: Paris, France

Generation: Lost Generation
Star Sign: Capricorn

Died: January 30, 1963 (aged 64)
Cause of Death: A heart attack