Francis Poulenc: Clarinet Sonata, 2nd movement

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One of the last works that Francis Poulenc (1899-1963) completed before his death, the Clarinet Sonata is an evocative midcentury gem for clarinet and piano. The entire piece is available on the album, Diversions: the Mid-century Clarinet, featuring Stephanie Zelnick, Clarinet and Dan Velicer, Piano.
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Francis Poulenc (1899-1963) was born in Paris to a wealthy family. He was known in World War II for his resistance music and was always aware, as a gay public figure, of the threat from the Nazis. In fact, his partner at the time, Raymond Destouches, narrowly avoided arrest. In a time of atonality, Poulenc redefined the possibilities for expression within the tonal spectrum, often writing clear, sweet, and effective melodies. In this regard, his Clarinet Sonata, composed in 1962, also adheres to many diatonic principles and resembles what would be most appropriate for the human voice. What this piece has in common with Poulenc’s magnificent operas is a pervasive mix of Catholicism and sensuality, themes that seem to define much of his music.