Francis Poulenc - (20th Century Composers) by Benjamin Ivry (Paperback)

About the Book

The work of Poulenc in the context of his colourful personal life.

Book Synopsis

The consistent wit and charm of the music of Francis Poulenc (1899-1963), has often led to an underestimation of its value, yet there is now a growing recognition of his stature. His music is simple and direct, and neither rhythmically nor harmonically innovative, but he was a distinguished and inventive melodist. In Ivry's biography, Poulenc's work is dicussed in the context of his homosexuality and against the colourful background of Paris in the first half of the century. His love affairs with working-class men and his sensitivity about his role in the wartime occupation of France have been somewhat obscured; in this fresh and amusing biography, however, the author uses recently published documents to shed new light on the composer and the man, and presents a three-dimensional portrait of this complex and sometimes contradictory composer.

Review Quotes

'As a series, Phaidon's 20th Century Composers has brought remarkable variety and a welter of information, both necessary and delightfully trivial. Intended both for the general reader and for the more enthusiatically musical...' (The Scotsman)

'Ivry's much-needed and informative Poulenc captures the French between-wars scene vividly.' (Sunday Telegraph)

'His narrative is fluent, full of interesting stories and very thorough.' (Classical Music)

'Such a fascinating man; such fascinating music; such good reading.' (American Record Guide)

About the Author

Benjamin Ivry is an arts correspondent based in Paris. He has been music critic for Seven Days and a regular contributor to Opera News.