The "Groupe des Six" was a collective of six French composers active in the early 20th century. Formed in the 1920s, the group included Darius Milhaud, Francis Poulenc, Arthur Honegger, Germain Tailleferre, Louis Durey, and Georges Auric. They aimed to create a distinctly French style of music, moving away from the complexities of Richard Wagner and embracing simplicity and clarity. The group's music often incorporated elements of popular culture, including jazz and folk tunes. They sought to reflect contemporary life and experiences in their compositions, which contributed to the development of modern French music. Their influence can still be seen in the works of later composers.