Poulenc was a French composer and pianist. A member of Les Six, a group of six French composers who shared the musical ideal of Satie, he wrote a large number of vocal works. He contributed to the group’s sensibility by writing racy dancing tunes inspired by popular music. A perception developed of Les Six as silly, carnival-loving musicians, and the reputation has stuck to Poulenc to this day.

Some have compared listening to his Sextuor to having a field day at the carnival, only to find at the end that one’s wallet has been stolen. The work not only offers opportunities for virtuoso pianism, but also for emotionally expressive statements by the wind players.

“Very fast and fiery,” the Allegro vivace dashes along in dazzling, energetic rhythms which give way to a slower section introduced by a lyrical melancholic bassoon. The original pace returns full of rhythmic interjections and life. The Divertissement, marked andantino, is written within a three-part slow-fast-slow structure while the Finale, a prestissimo in rondo form, shows the different instrumental colors while remaining highly energetic. This lively theme gives way to a coda with ‘pretty and somewhat false chord progressions,’ expressively sad, with a tender and longing sweetness. This Sextuor is dedicated to Georges Salles, curator at the Louvre, who for some time accommodated Poulenc in his Montmartre residence.