Francis Poulenc

French composer Francis Poulenc was one of the most influential French composers of the early 20th century. During this turbulent political time, and as a reaction to the emotional Impressionism of the late 19th century French composers, Poulenc's works often took on a comical or satirical flavor, including his settings of many witty poems such as Le Bestiaire, and a surrealist opera The Breasts of Tiresias.

Poulenc's work also includes many religious works, including his opera Les dialogues des Carmelites, which is widely considered to be one of the best operas of the 20th century.