Both Jean Cocteau and Francis Poulenc, despite an outward appearance of lightness in their art, were deeply troubled individuals, wracked by doubts and prone to depression and jealousy.
Historical Context
An Italian translation for *La Voix humaine* was commissioned for its Milan premiere but abandoned, reflecting a new era where performing works in their original language was considered more 'chic'.
Composition History
*La Voix humaine* was originally slated for a premiere at La Scala in Milan, but its world premiere actually took place at the Opéra Comique.
Composer Biography
Francis Poulenc and Jean Cocteau, the librettist for *La Voix humaine*, shared the same death year, 1963, as did singer Edith Piaf.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Poulenc, like Debussy and Ravel, composed at the piano, which allowed his music to transition easily between piano and orchestral settings.
Compositional Technique
Poulenc's unique vocal treatment in *La Voix humaine* systematically alternates between a solo voice and an accompanied voice, a technique never used before or since.
Compositional Technique
In *La Voix humaine*, when the Voice is narrating, it is accompanied by the orchestra; when it is conversing, it is alone, on the threshold of speech.
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