Francis Poulenc (7 January 1899 in Paris – 30 January 1963 in Paris) was a French composer. He was one of the group of six composers who became known as Les Six. He composed music in many different forms: song, chamber music, oratorio, opera, ballet music and orchestral music. His music is easy to enjoy at first hearing: it is much simpler than the music of many other composers who were writing modern music at the time. At first the music critics did not think he was a serious composer, but later people realized the importance of his music. He is the greatest writer of French song (mélodie) since Fauré.
Francis Poulenc | French composer
Questions and Answers
Q: Who was Francis Poulenc?
A: Francis Poulenc was a French composer who was part of the group of six composers known as Les Six.
Q: What forms of music did he compose?
A: He composed song, chamber music, oratorio, opera, ballet music and orchestral music.
Q: How is his music described?
A: His music is easy to enjoy at first hearing and simpler than the modern music written by other composers at the time.
Q: What did critics initially think about his compositions?
A: Initially, critics did not think he was a serious composer.
Q: How has his work been viewed in hindsight?
A: In hindsight, people have realized the importance of his compositions and he is now considered to be the greatest writer of French song since Fauré.
Q: When and where was Francis Poulenc born?
A: Francis Poulenc was born on 7 January 1899 in Paris.
Q: When and where did he die?
A: He died on 30 January 1963 in Paris.