Poulenc

March 9, 2020
Pianist Johnson (Franz Schubert) delivers a lively if unconventional biography of the French pianist and composer Francis Poulenc (1899–1963). Each of the six chapters focus on a decade of Poulenc’s compositions and opens with a chronological time line of events in the composer’s life (e.g., on June 21, 1943, a 44-year-old Poulenc first performed, with violinist Ginette Neveu, his “Sonata for violin and piano” in Paris’s Salle Gaveau). Johnson then lays out a grid that includes the number and title of each piece written in the era, the date of composition, the literary source (if there is one), the key, the time signature, the tempo, the lyrics, and a description of each song. Along the way, he incorporates biographical sketches of poets and writers with whom Poulenc collaborated (Guillaume Apollinaire, Paul Éluard, Jean Cocteau) and explores Poulenc’s closeted homosexuality and his ability to keep it secret by compartmentalizing his domestic life with his wife and daughter and his gay life. Poulenc emerges in this exhilarating and exhaustive study as a prolific composer attuned to the cultural and personal eddies of modern society. This astute biography will be a boon to Poulenc fans and classical music buffs alike.

Starred review from April 1, 2020

French composer Francis Poulenc (1899-1963) was the best-known member of the famed "Les Six," six French composers who dominated French musical life of the 20th century. Johnson (Franz Schubert) has written a biography not so much of the composer but of his works, particularly his many songs. Chapters begin with a chronological "Outline of a Musical Life," followed by a catalog of songs. Song are presented in French (sometimes Polish), with English translation. "Biographical Interludes" and other topics ("The Sexual Milieu of Francis Poulenc") are interspersed throughout the "Song" sections. This well-illustrated volume includes scholarly apparatus (notes, bibliography, index of song titles, index of names) yet has a breezy, informal tone that informed readers will find accessible. An attractive feature of Johnson's work is the broad cultural context in which he sets his subject. Numerous figures from the realm of classical music (Maurice Ravel, Claude Debussy), painting (Pablo Picasso, Paul C�zanne), and literature (Guillaume Apollinaire, Paul �luard) make appearances. VERDICT Highly recommended to readers interested in the life and works of the composer, as well as to those eager to learn about the cultural and political milieu of Poulenc's life.--Edward B. Cone, New York

Copyright 2020 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from April 1, 2020
An incredibly detailed account of the work of the French composer. Johnson, a pianist and professor of accompaniment who has published about other composers--Franz Schubert and Benjamin Britten among them--returns with a biography of--and paean to--Francis Poulenc (1899-1963). In nearly 500 pages, the author rarely utters a discouraging word, either about his subject's character or his work. He calls one song "sumptuous" and another "a real jewel." Mild negative criticisms appear only rarely--e.g., Poulenc "disliked sharing the limelight, even with much less gifted composers." Johnson displays several recurring organizational features, generally divided by decade: a detailed chronology of Poulenc's life, work, and historical events; and a composition-by-composition description and assessment, including lyrics in the original French accompanied by their English translations. The author often employs diction that only musicians and musical aficionados will appreciate--e.g., "the boldness of the fortissimo ninth chord (B flat major with a clashing C-natural) in the treble clef shelters a much more timid echo in the bass." Johnson provides background on the poets whose work supplied the settings for Poulenc's songs (principally Guillaume Apollinaire and Paul �luard) and comments on Poulenc's sexuality (he was gay but kept it extraordinarily private). Though this is not a work one would read like a traditional biography--the text is thick, demanding close attention--there are numerous gems scattered throughout: Poulenc's admiration for singer Maurice Chevalier, his friendship with Christian Dior, his love of art and artists, and his work with Jean Cocteau. What principally emerges, however, is Poulenc's undeniable brilliance as a pianist and composer as well as his work ethic and strength (he continually traveled throughout Europe and the U.S. for performances). Following his account of Poulenc's death, Johnson includes some brief final sections about his friends, colleagues, and publishers. Astonishing research and devotion will make this an enduring work of musical history and biography. (66 b/w illustrations)

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