Poulenc's harmony arose from the fusion of diverse influences: Chabrier's dominant seventh chords, Ravel's major sevenths, Debussy's minor sixths, and Mussorgsky's extended fourths formed the foundation. Elements from Couperin and Stravinsky added further depth to this sound world, shaping Poulenc's unmistakable harmonic style. In the 1930s, two tragic accidents occurred that profoundly influenced 20th-century music. First, the heir of Hoffmann-La Roche lost his life; his fortune later enabled him to create significant orchestral works. Second, the accident so deeply affected Poulenc that he embarked on a new spiritual path, composing primarily sacred works from then on. His musical development was marked by passion and inner renewal; Poulenc's unwavering faith was reflected in his works in a captivating way.
