An Ending to Paris in the 1920s

Paris during the 1920s seems to be a most enigmatic and frivolous place. The music was different, the people were changing, norms were being challenged and sexualities were becoming more present in the social spectrum. Stereotypically, the 20s were a place in history...

Kitsch et étrange

It’s interesting that two important people in the history of french music both identified as queer. The Princesse Edmond de Polignac, along with Francis Poulenc, were gay. The Princesse and her parlor concerts were known throughout France, and she commissioned...

A Word on Cinematic Liberties

I almost feel like it’s a right of passage for the romantic at heart to see the 2001 film Moulin Rouge. My personal experience was sad to say the least. I started watching it, and about halfway through the movie, my mother came down and bluntly stated,...

Infatuation with the ‘Bizarre’

Throughout the 1920s, an exotic wave of culture swept through most of France. Jazz became a prevalent aspect of French life, and artists such as Josephine Baker become phenomena. Music Historians often refer to this so called obsession with African American culture...

Poulenc’s Own Thoughts

This is Francis Poulenc; In addition to being one of the most famous 20th century composers, Poulenc was alive as the age of the celebrity was beginning to dawn. Interviews were documented and saved, letters and correspondences were saved, and people had an urge to...