Product Description
An updated edition of Poulenc's 1962 Sonata for Clarinet and Piano, edited by Millan Sachania.The piece is dedicated to the memory of Arthur Honegger, and was first performed at Carnegie Hall, New York by Benny Goodman and Leonard Bernstein in 1963. ... Read more

Book Description

Amazon.com
The French composer Francis Poulenc (1899-1963) is often dismissed as the lightweight composer of short, clever pieces, lumped in with the rest of "Les Six." In this volume--one of Phaidon's 20th-Century Composers series--author Benjamin Ivry argues for more consideration and respect for the man who wrote Dialogues of the Carmelites. As is the rule with Phaidon's series, the book is rich in photographs and integrates the composer's life and work in a relatively brief (240 pages, including index), very accessible form; there are no musical examples, although they might be helpful. Mr. Ivry approaches his task with more humor than some of his colleagues, and he is open throughout about Poulenc's homosexuality and its effect on the composer's work and personal life.Book Description
The French composer Francis Poulenc (1899-1963) is often dismissed as the lightweight composer of short, clever pieces, lumped in with the rest of "Les Six." In this volume--one of Phaidon's 20th-Century Composers series--author Benjamin Ivry argues for more consideration and respect for the man who wrote Dialogues of the Carmelites. As is the rule with Phaidon's series, the book is rich in photographs and integrates the composer's life and work in a relatively brief (240 pages, including index), very accessible form; there are no musical examples, although they might be helpful. Mr. Ivry approaches his task with more humor than some of his colleagues, and he is open throughout about Poulenc's homosexuality and its effect on the composer's work and personal life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

standard life of poulenc in english
This is by far the best written account of the compositions and life of the French composer Poulenc. It is readable, reliable, and amusing, and there is nothing like it currently available. There are other books like a professor's tedious and Germanic study which is about three times as long but this is the only book in the lighthearted spirit of Poulenc.

Gossipy, yes. Good???
At last! We are in possession of a tawdry, rambling account of the life of this uniquely gifted composer. The unnecessary focus upon Poulenc's sexual orientation does little to aid the reader's understanding of the subject but perhaps betrays some unresolved issues in the author's psyche.More insightful musical analysis would have been welcome and a broader perspective requisite. I can only partially support the previous reviewer's comment that this is a "good gossipy overview...". Gossipy it IS, without question. Good? A good opportunity wasted.

A good gossipy overview of Poulenc's life
A much needed book, as there is no new biography of Poulenc in English orfor that matter in French since the Henri Hell book of 1958, which wassubsequently revised in the late 1970s.Ivry is much franker aboutPoulenc's private life than earlier writers as the publication ofunexpurgated editions of Poulenc's letters allows this now. I could havedone with some more relevant pictures: for instance there is a two pagespread devoted to a picture of a ballet version of the Gloria, a curiouschoice.There is another book out there waiting to be written about thisfascinating and contradictory character. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A labor of love
I think to have known Francis Poulenc was to love him, and this book makes it clear what a compelling and kind man Poulenc was. In addition to that, it makes clear the ambiance of the company he kept and the period of musical history in which he kept it. When I finished the book, I sat down at the piano and learned two new(new to me) piano works of his. The book was good enough to spur me in that direction. Very well done!

For inquiring minds who really want to know . . . in detail
While the exhaustive approach of Carl B. Schmidt will not be for everyone, I believe Bonnie Jo Dopp's assesment unfairly shortchanges this book, stating that "This scholarly work is recommended only for research libraries or those that own Schmidt's other Poulenc title and wish to supplement it." Rather, I believe this work is for anyone inclined to read more than one work on Poulenc, for those who on first reading want to see the trees as well as the forest, and for those wishing to get to the bottom of errors and inconsistencies in the other publications.

Dr. Schmidt does not provide any of his own musical analysis, descriptions, or even musical examples, but traces the events of Poulenc's life in comprehensive detail via Poulenc's own voice in writings, interviews and letters. The reporting is factual and with voluminous footnotes, making it possible to retrace his steps. His editorial neutrality and the sheer mass of material makes for a less sophisticated approach than Mellers' or Ivry's books. Some people may prefer this, and in any case I have found it completely absorbing, because the ever-fascinating Poulenc, the "Entrancing Muse" [said Stravinsky], is presented here in unprecedented, vivid detail -- and accurately so.

The quality of this volume strengthens the case for a new English translation of Poulenc's correspondence!

Packed cover to cover with a wealth of detailed lore
One of the Pendragon Press "Lives In Music" series, Carl Schmidt's Entrancing Muse: A Documented Biography Of Francis Poulenc surveys the life and work of a most notable composer who lived from 1899 to 1963. Packed cover to cover with a wealth of detailed lore about the man, his life, and his work, Entrancing Muse is a fascinating read especially recommended for anyone interested in the personality and life experiences of a man responsible for great and critically acclaimed music. ... Read more

Book Description
Richard Burton explores the fascinating world of early to mid-twentieth century artistic gay Paris and in particular the links between Poulenc's sexuality, his music and his relgious beliefs, with extensive reference to other artists in his circle, including Cocteau and Radiguet. ... Read more

Product Description
Francis Poulenc (1899-1963) was one of the great French composers for piano, following in the tradition of Debussy and Ravel. Contents: ValseValse-Improvisation sur le nom de BachVillageoises, Petties pièces enfantinesHumoresqueBourrée, au Pavillon d'Auvergneand more. ... Read more

Book Description
Once considered as little more than the froth in the wake of the First World War, a witty boy-hedonist who, in the giddy Twenties, tweaked the noses of moribund establishmentarians, Poulenc has in fact proved unexpectedly durable - more so than any of his colleagues among Les Six, including those who developed more grandiose ambitions.Here is a survey of Poulenc's music, based on careful selection of his works, and written by an authoritative guide. Having placed Poulenc in the context of French life and society after the First World War and considered him in relation to his masters and mentors, especially Satie and Chabrier, Mellers turns to Poulenc's Diaghilev ballet, Les Biches, to important sequels to it, such as Concert champetre and Aubade, and to works of transition, such as the Concerto for two pianos and orchestra. The next section discusses the `social' music of Poulenc's middle years - especially the music for piano (for Poulenc a domestic instrument), written during the Thirties, and the centrality of song in his work; some account is offered of his relationship with his main poets, Guillaume Apollinaire, Paul Eluard, and Louise de Vilmorin. Mellers mext considers the impact on Poulenc of the Second World War, especially as manifest in the great choral work Quatre Motets de Penitence and the Organ Concerto. Separate chapters deal with the three main operatic pieces and Poulenc's relationship to Bernanos and Jean Cocteau; with the late devotional works, especially the Stabat Mater, the Gloriam and the Sept Repons des Tenebres; and with the chamber works of the last few years. The chapters are illustrated througout with music examples.Adopting a broadly chronological approach, Mellers traces Poulenc's development as a composer from enfant terrible to a mature composer both for secular Society and for the liturgy of the Catholic Church; in so doing he points to the reasons for the durability and pertinacity of his appeal. Mellers further assesses Poulenc's place in the French tradition, and, in a Postlude, pays tribute to the warm regard with which Poulenc was held by so many of his fellow musicians. ... Read more

Book Description
The revised edition (2000) contains the music as well as a historical and biographical introduction by Millan Sachania. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Poulenc Sonata Clarinet
This music selection is very fine.I am very satisfied with it. ... Read more

Book Description
As the first duo of singer and pianist to be perceived as equals in the music world, French baritone Pierre Bernac and pianist composer Francis Poulenc became a legend, working together for more than 25 years. The majority of Poulenc's pieces were created specifically for Bernac to sing. Within this context, Bernac pays tribute to his friend by providing a detailed discussion of all the songs he composed specifically for piano accompaniment. Each song, its description, and the corresponding biographical note on the poet have been translated into English. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Essential reading for the Poulenc student
Pierre Bernac probably knew Francis Poulenc's songs better than anyone save the composer -- they had a working relationship that stretched across several decades, and Bernac personally premiered the lion's share of Poulenc's song output.This volume is Bernac's tribute to his friend and collaborator, and includes a useful biographical sketch with some amusing anecdotes, and a comprehensive survey of Poulenc's song output (though a few songs including the Eight Polish Songs, Fancy - Poulenc's only English language setting, from Shakespeare - and the Quatre chansons pour enfants are conspicuously missing).Each song includes complete texts and translations and Bernac's notes on composition, general mood and singer's motivation.

This book goes alongside Bernac's The Interpretation of French Song as essential reading for the serious devotee of French melodies.Must reading for anyone thinking about singing Poulenc's songs. ... Read more

Book Description
French Only. ... Read more

Book Description
Arranged for solo piano. ... Read more

Book Description
Arranged for solo piano. Suitable for advanced pianists. ... Read more

Book Description
The name of Francis Poulenc (1899-1963) was first brought to prominence in the 1920s as a member of Les Six, a group of young French composers encouraged by Satie and Cocteau.His subsequent fame spread well beyond France, and he is coming to be regarded as one of this century's most significant composers.His compositions are heard constantly in concert halls the world over, and numerous recordings, including complete sets of songs and piano music, have been released.Books, articles and more than a dozen doctoral dissertations have discussed his music.Carl Schmidt's catalogue of Poulenc's works represents the first comprehensive attempt to list an oeuvre which numbers approximately 185 compositions written from his teenage years until his death at the age of 63.The Catalogue indentifies a number of unpublished works, and adds a small group of compositions to his musical canon for the first time.Each work, whether complete or unfinished, published or unpublished, is described fully.Catalogue entries list and describe all known printed editions (including reprints) and manuscript copies of each work.In addition, they provide detailed compositional histories based on numerous letters, documents, and press accounts, many of which have not been published previously.Russian interestin Poulenc's music, manifested in press runs exceeding one million copies, is also revealed for the first time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Must for Poulenc Students
Carl B. Schmidt's 'The Music of Francis Poulenc' is first of all a catalogue of Poulenc's works. It represents the first comprehensive listing of his life's works. No other books comes near this work. 'The Music of Francis Poulenc' describes each work, finished and unfinished, lists and describes all known editions and manuscript copies, and provides detailed compositional histories, often based on unpublished letters and documents. The catalogue also identifies a number of unpublished works and adds a small group of compositions to Poulenc's canon for the first time.
'The Music of Francis Poulenc' is a must for every student of Francis Poulenc's music. It contains train loads of important information and nice factoids. Worth every dime.

Must for Poulenc Students
Carl B. Schmidt's 'The Music of Francis Poulenc' is first of all a catalogue of Poulenc's works. It represents the first comprehensive listing of his life's works. No other books comes near this work. 'The Music of Francis Poulenc' describes each work, finished and unfinished, lists and describes all known editions and manuscript copies, and provides detailed compositional histories, often based on unpublished letters and documents. The catalogue also identifies a number of unpublished works and adds a small group of compositions to Poulenc's canon for the first time.
'The Music of Francis Poulenc' is a must for every student of Francis Poulenc's music. It contains train loads of important information and nice factoids. Worth every dime.

I didn't read this book
I'm looking for the Trial for piano, bassoon and oboe. Do you have it (the partiture of course). Thanks to you! Bye! ... Read more