Les Six

Les Six was a group of six French composers in the early 20th century who aimed to create a fresh, modern style of music, distinct from the complex and emotional Romantic tradition. Active mainly in the 1920s, they embraced clarity, simplicity, and influences from jazz, folk, and neoclassicism. Their members—like Darius Milhaud and Francis Poulenc—wanted to break free from heavy traditionalism and explore more playful, accessible compositions. Les Six sought to modernize French music by combining tradition with innovation, emphasizing melodic humor and lightness in their works.