Customer Reviews

Francis Poulenc (20th Century Composers)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

A much needed book, as there is no new biography of Poulenc in English or for that matter in French since the Henri Hell book of 1958, which was subsequently revised in the late 1970s. Ivry is much franker about Poulenc's private life than earlier writers as the publication of unexpurgated editions of Poulenc's letters allows this now. I could have done with some more relevant pictures: for instance there is a two page spread devoted to a picture of a ballet version of the Gloria, a curious choice. There is another book out there waiting to be written about this fascinating and contradictory character.

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.

This is a terrific little book about an enigmatic French composer of the 20th century. Never having been a fan of his music, I wanted to learn more about him and find out what made him "tick". The author doesn't mince words about Poulenc's romantic liaisons but he also has done alot of research concerning Poulenc's music and the world around him during his lifetime and that's the important aspect of the volume. I plan on re-reading the book and I am sure I will find out even more about Poulenc than I did with the first reading. A great little book. I am most grateful to AMAZON for having this available. I was unable to locate in anywhere. Bravo, AMAZON..
Dr. Alan-Clarke Hudson

Loved the zest with which this was written! A life lived without apologies, maybe a bit lightweight, but wit and charm are intrinsic to his music & his character.

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.