Francis Poulenc (1899–1963) was a French composer and pianist known for his distinctive blend of wit, lyricism, and emotional depth. A member of the avant-garde group Les Six, Poulenc helped redefine French music in the early 20th century by rejecting the heavy romanticism of Wagner and the impressionism of Debussy in favor of clarity, charm, and directness. His works range from playful and irreverent pieces like Les Biches and Mouvements perpétuels to deeply spiritual compositions such as the Gloria and Stabat Mater, reflecting the duality between the “monk and the naughty boy,” as he once described himself.

Poulenc was also one of the first openly gay composers in classical music. He navigated his sexuality with candor in a time when homosexuality was often stigmatized, and this aspect of his identity influenced both his personal life and his art—his music often carrying a tension between sensuality, vulnerability, and devotion.

Over the course of his career, Poulenc’s melodic gift, emotional honesty, and elegant craftsmanship made him one of the most beloved French composers of the 20th century. His songs, chamber works, choral music, and operas—especially Dialogues des Carmélites—remain staples of the modern repertoire, celebrated for their humanity and unmistakable voice.

‍