BLANCHARD, Simone

Simone Blanchard was a French classical composer and poet whose work spanned the early-to-mid 20th century. Historically overlooked, she has received posthumous recognition through modern classical music initiatives dedicated to reviving works by forgotten female composers. Blanchard wrote evocative, texturally detailed chamber music and vocal pieces, as Voix intérieure (Inner Voices), a evocative piece written for a piano trio (violin, cello, and piano). It is one of her most frequently performed works today, recorded by classical groups such as the Trio Ernest in partnership with the women's advocacy project La Boîte à Pépites. She also composed Avril de paix (April of Peace), for string quartet. It captures a contemplative approach to springtime, shadowed by the impact of global conflict. Blanchard inscribed directly onto the score: "The enchantment ceases at the thought of the countries where war has destroyed spring... the walker [...] lets his sadness, tinged with bitterness, speak because of so much sacrificed beauty. She wrote Trois Mélodies (Three Melodies), a vocal collection for medium voice and piano published around 1922 by the Parisian publisher Éditions Maurice Senart. It includes the art song "L'Allée" (Op. 17), utilizing poetry she wrote herself. She also set other original texts to music, including pieces like "La vague vient en bondissant" and "Entre mes doigts glisse le sable fin".