POULENC

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 Éluard) 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.