Groupe des Six

The Groupe des Six was a group of six French composers—Georges Auric, Louis Durey, Arthur Honegger, Darius Milhaud, Francis Poulenc, and Germaine Tailleferre—formed in the early 20th century. They aimed to create music that was fresh, accessible, and distinct from the overly complex and emotional style of the Romantic era. Influenced by modernist ideas, their collective worked to develop a style blending clarity, simplicity, and vibrancy, often incorporating elements of jazz and popular music. Their goal was to bring a new energy to French music and make their compositions relevant and appealing to a wider audience.