Poulenc's commonplace and graceful masterpieces: light, stylish, French chic.

Francis Poulenc (1899-1963) was a composer who embodied the spirit of Paris. From serious religious works to witty chanson-like pieces, his music is sometimes described as "witty and unconventional" or even "worldly" in nature. However, it is this "commonness" that is Poulenc's charm. His familiar melodies, interspersed with wit and sophistication, reflect his unique spirit.

In this issue, we would like to introduce a few of Poulenc's works that are a bit mundane but have graceful melodies.


Rustiques" (1951) from "The Clowns of Nazaire
The first piece "Rustiques" from "Novelettes pour piano" (1951) is a lively and rhythmic piece that starts out with the words "Oh, this is already a Parisian street corner! The rhythm is so lively that it makes you say, "Oh, this is already a Parisian street corner! It is as if one can hear the conversation of Parisians chatting over a glass of wine in a café in Montmartre. The melody is familiar, like a chanson, with a bit of fashionable egoism.

Flute Sonata (1956)◆2.
This is one of Poulenc's most famous works. The second movement of this piece, "Cantilena," features a sigh-inducingly beautiful melody. The flowing lines of the flute and the light accompaniment of the piano evoke a refined French aesthetic. There is a "friendliness clad in elegance" rather than a "commonness" here. It is as elegant as enjoying an espresso in a Parisian afternoon café.

3. "Three Indomitable Movements" (1918)
This piano piece, written by the 19-year-old Poulenc, is truly a "light-hearted romp. It is in the style of so-called "indifferent movements," in which a single rhythm or motif continues for a long time, but it is strangely light and humorous, with some Stravinsky-esque rhythmic oddities. It is a "musical prank" in the style of Poulenc, and when you listen to it, you can't help but laugh, as if it were the background music of a slapstick comic book drama.

Piano Concerto (1949)◆4.
When you hear the first theme of this piece, you may think, "What? Is this Poulenc? You may be surprised to hear the first theme. The reason is that the mood at the beginning is like that of a cabaret jazz band in the 1920s. However, the melody that follows is an elegant waltz-style melody with a French flavor. It is a masterpiece that is a perfect fusion of Poulenc's characteristic "goofiness" and "elegance," and is full of his charm.

Les chemins de l'amour (1940)
This is so widely loved that it is often said, "When you think of Poulenc, this is the one! This chanson-like song is so widely loved that it was originally written as part of a play. Originally written as a part of dramatic music, the sweet melody of the song has gained popularity, and it is often performed as a stand-alone piece. Even without the lyrics, the song can be played on the piano to give it an "esprit" of its own. The beauty of the melody, the comfort of the rhythm, and the slightly nostalgic atmosphere highlight the "elegance" of Poulenc's commonplace nature.

Summary: Refinement Dwelling in Common Sense

Poulenc's music is often derided as "cafe music. However, this is not a negative description, but rather a description of "sophisticated music that blends into the everyday life of France. His music is somewhat "casual" but has a depth that makes it more than just background music. This is why his music has an appeal that is hard to resist once you get into it.

If you listen to the songs introduced here, you will surely feel Poulenc's "sophistication. So, why don't you listen to Poulenc's music while sipping a cup of café au lait?