Francis Poulenc’s peculiar character—“deeply devout and uncontrollably sensual,” according to fellow composer Ned Rorem, and effortlessly transported into his compositions—makes him one of the most fascinating composers of his time. With a fresh and witty sense of humor, this accomplished 20th-century French pianist left us a great and varied collection of works. There are his characteristic piano pieces and exquisite chromatic vocal melodies, as well as power and deep faith in his sacred music, and, of course, his masterpiece, the opera Dialogues des Carmélites.