Musik och sexualitet i Francis Poulencs texter

Abstract

MUSIC AND SEXUALITY IN FRANCIS POULENC’S TEXTS
In this article, the conceptions of music, sexuality, and authorship are analyzed from a feminist point of view. The aim is to understand Poulenc’s misogynistic way of addressing female musicians in his Diary of my songs (1964/1985). The analysis and
interpretation is based on Poulenc’s letters, mainly from the 1940’s and 50’s, to Pierre Bernac, Louise de Vilmorin, Fred Goldbeck, Simone Girard and Nadia Boulanger. Attitudes on homosexuality and conventions concerning gender system in France have given further support to my understanding of the language used by Poulenc. A short excursion is also done onto de Vilmorin’s collection of poems Fiançailles pour rire (1940) composed by Poulenc. In Diary of my songs the conceptions of sexuality in music are marked by the thematics of sensuality and veiling. Poulenc’s homosexual desire is absent. On the opposite, in personal letters, Poulenc challenged the modern discourse concerning authorship, music-making, and sexuality.