The Princess de Polignac had commissioned his Concerto for Two Pianos and his Organ Concerto. Her niece, Marie-Blanche, had sung a number of Poulenc's songs, and had even had some dedicated to her. When she died in March 1958. Poulenc responded by writing this "Elegie".

Most of Poulenc's piano music is in miniature forms, so this 7 minute work is one of the longest of his works for keyboard. Not only were they small pieces, but rarely did they attempt any profundity, rather they were often vivacious or charming.

The "Elegie" is more subdued, and quite touching in its simplicity. As in his opera, "Les Dialogues des Carmelites", Poulenc's musical commentary on death is filled with hopeful resignation, rather than fury.

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