The "Album des Six" and pianism in the works of Les Six, 1917--1925

Abstract

This inquiry examines the role of the piano in the work of the composers known as Les Six at the time of their collaboration, here defined as 1917-1925. Influences upon pianistic style in their works are examined, including those of other musicians such as Erik Satie; performers associated with them; and the cultural environment in which they moved, particularly the leadership of Jean Cocteau, the cabaret and its music, and newly-arrived jazz from America.

Central to the study is the 1920 Album des Six, a collection of piano music to which each contributed one piece and one of few musical documents attesting to their association. It is shown that the Album preceded and influenced the 1920 article by Henri Collet usually credited with establishing them as a group. Each of the Album's pieces is analyzed, and other piano works written during the period in question are surveyed.

Conclusions emphasize the role of the Album in the genesis of the group and note its interest as an icon of their problematic association; while noting that it is not a major pianistic document, and that of the Six only Poulenc left a surviving legacy in the repertoire of the instrument, it is maintained that the array of styles, tendencies and techniques contained in the Album's six pieces provide useful insights into this period in the lives of the composers involved.