francis poulenc (1899 - 1963)

Sextuor (1932/39)

As a member of Les Six, Poulenc contributed to the group's sensibility by writing racy dancing tunes inspired by popular music. A perception developed of Les Six as silly, carnival-loving musicians, and this reputation has stuck to Poulenc to this day. Some have likened listening to his Sextuor to having a field day at the carnival, only to find at the end that one's wallet has been stolen.

While waiting anxiously to be called up for military service as WWII loomed in 1939, Poulenc was too apprehensive to write music. Instead, he reorchestrated Les Biches (in order to leave it in perfect form in case the worst happened), and revised his Sextet, which had only been partially composed in 1932. First performed in December 1940, the new version of the Sextet was a warmingly convivial project, with heartfelt romantic melodies. The work not only offers opportunities for daredevil virtuoso pianism, but also for emotionally charged statements by the wind players. This Sextet may be Poulenc's work most influenced by jazz, not because of the way it sounds, but because of the liberty and individuality needed to play it.

poulenc potpourri program