Benjamin Ivry is an arts correspondent based in Paris. He has been music critic for Seven Days and a regular contributor to Opera News.

'Ivry's much-needed and informative Poulenc captures the French between-wars scene vividly.' (Sunday Telegraph) 'His narrative is fluent, full of interesting stories and very thorough.' (Classical Music) 'Such a fascinating man; such fascinating music; such good reading.' (American Record Guide)

• Childhood and youth; from Les Sixes to Les Biches; transformations; approaching war; Poulenc's war; the road to the Carmelites; Dialogues des Carmelites; after the Carmelites; list of works.

Benjamin Ivry is an arts correspondent based in Paris. He has been music critic for Seven Days and a regular contributor to Opera News.

'Ivry's much-needed and informative Poulenc captures the French between-wars scene vividly.' (Sunday Telegraph) 'His narrative is fluent, full of interesting stories and very thorough.' (Classical Music) 'Such a fascinating man; such fascinating music; such good reading.' (American Record Guide)

• Childhood and youth; from Les Sixes to Les Biches; transformations; approaching war; Poulenc's war; the road to the Carmelites; Dialogues des Carmelites; after the Carmelites; list of works.

Benjamin Ivry is an arts correspondent based in Paris. He has been music critic for Seven Days and a regular contributor to Opera News.

'Ivry's much-needed and informative Poulenc captures the French between-wars scene vividly.' (Sunday Telegraph) 'His narrative is fluent, full of interesting stories and very thorough.' (Classical Music) 'Such a fascinating man; such fascinating music; such good reading.' (American Record Guide)

• Childhood and youth; from Les Sixes to Les Biches; transformations; approaching war; Poulenc's war; the road to the Carmelites; Dialogues des Carmelites; after the Carmelites; list of works.