Donald Macleod surveys the life and work of Francis Poulenc, a man full of contradictions

This week Donald Macleod explores five aspects of Poulenc’s personality and how they find expression in his music. 'In Poulenc there is something of the monk and something of the rascal' said the composer’s friend Claude Rostand - but there were other sources of inspiration that drove him. From the gregarious exploits of his youth to his serious engagement with Catholicism, from schmoozing in high society salons to the calm he sought at his country retreat and his struggles with depression, Donald surveys the life and music of a man full of contradictions.

Music featured:

Chanson à boire Cocardes La Dame de Monte-Carlo Les Biches (Suite) Chansons GaillardesNocturne No 4 in C minor ‘Bal fantôme’ Concert Champêtre (1st movement)Trois poèmes de Louise Lalanne Tel Jour, Telle Nuit Concerto in D minor for two pianos and orchestra Ce doux petit visageChansons villageoises (excerpt) Les Animaux modèlesFigure Humaine Priez pour paix Litanies à la Vierge NoireStabat Mater Sonata for two pianos (3rd movement) Dialogues des Carmélites (Act II, Scene 4)Sonata for flute and piano (2nd movement) Gloria Élégie for horn and piano Sept Répons des Ténèbres (V-VI-VII)

Presented by Donald Macleod

Produced by Megan Jones for BBC Wales

For full tracklistings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Francis Poulenc https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0003sh5

And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we’ve featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z