author
Maurice Bouchor
1855–1929
A French poet and dramatist whose writing moved from lively early verse to more spiritual, symbolic work, he also helped shape the world of puppet theater in Paris. His poems drew the attention of composers, including Ernest Chausson, whose song cycle brought one of his best-known texts to music.
2 Audiobooks
A Christmas Tale: in One Act
by Maurice Bouchor
Israël en Égypte: Étude sur un oratorio de G.F. Hændel
by Maurice Bouchor
About the author
Born in Paris in 1855, Maurice Bouchor built a varied literary career as a poet and playwright. His early books included Chansons joyeuses, Poèmes de l'amour et de la mer, Le Faust moderne, and Les Contes parisiens, showing both a playful side and a taste for lyrical, dramatic writing.
As his work developed, it turned more strongly toward religious and mystical themes, especially in Aurore and Les Symboles. He was also active in the Paris puppet theater scene, writing works for marionettes and helping connect literature, performance, and music in unusual ways.
Bouchor died in 1929, but his name still appears in both literary and musical circles. Readers may know him best through the lasting life of his poetry in art song, especially the text behind Chausson's Poème de l'amour et de la mer.