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Lovely classics

Gabriel Fauré | Introduction to His Famous and Representative Works

Gabriel Fauré, the French composer who influenced many others during the 19th and 20th centuries when new forms of music were emerging.

While he was influenced by the many new styles published by his contemporaries, he did not become absorbed by them; instead, he developed his own voice with an exquisite sense of balance.

His works convey a serene purity rather than showiness.

Fauré’s famous and representative pieces span a wide range—from orchestral works to chamber music, piano pieces, and songs.

Please enjoy the beautiful melodies and harmonies that could only have come from Fauré.

Gabriel Fauré | Introducing Famous and Representative Works (31–40)

SicilianoGabriel Urbain Fauré

Gabriel Fauré was a French composer who was active in the late 19th century.

At the time, there was a trend in France to create music that was distinctly French.

In response, composers sought to produce new sonorities by incorporating elements of the Baroque era into their works.

This Sicilienne was born in that climate.

A “Sicilienne” is a type of music that was popular from the 17th to 18th centuries, characterized by its pastoral quality and distinctive rhythm.

By drawing on features of Baroque music to create fresh sonorities, this piece fashions a beguiling, dreamlike atmosphere.

Nocturne No. 6 in D-flat major, Op. 63Gabriel Urbain Fauré

Fauré / Nocturne No. 6, Op. 63 / Performed by Yusuke Kikuchi
Nocturne No. 6 in D-flat major, Op. 63Gabriel Urbain Fauré

The one who studied under Saint-Saëns and continued composing while serving as a church organist was Fauré.

Perhaps because he performed church music, he also wrote works using the old church modes that belong neither to major nor minor keys, paving the way for the next era; yet in his Nocturnes and Barcarolles he produced truly beautiful late-Romantic music.

LullabyGabriel Urbain Fauré

G. Fauré: Dolly, No. 1 Berceuse (for piano four hands)
LullabyGabriel Urbain Fauré

A French musician who discovered his talent in childhood by playing the church reed organ.

In a suite called Dolly, Dolly is the name of a child he cherished, and this piece is one of those dedicated to that child.

As the title “Lullaby” suggests, it conveys a deep sense of serenity and affection.

Berceuse (Fauré) – LullabyGabriel Urbain Fauré

Fauré Berceuse – Fauré: Berceuse, flute by Yuya Kanda
Berceuse (Fauré) - LullabyGabriel Urbain Fauré

The first piece of Gabriel Fauré’s Suite Dolly, Op.

56, a set of six pieces for piano four hands.

“Dolly” is the nickname of Hélène, the granddaughter of an acquaintance who was a banker; the suite is made up of pieces gifted to her almost annually as she grew up.

It is a gentle, celebratory work.

Elegy for Cello and OrchestraGabriel Fauré

Elegy in C minor, Op.

24, for Cello and Orchestra.

The performance features Dutch-born cellist Harriet Krijgh with the State Philharmonic Orchestra of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, conducted by Spain’s Gustavo Gimeno.

Gabriel Fauré | Introducing Famous and Representative Works (41–50)

Ballade for Piano and Orchestra, Op. 19Gabriel Fauré

Ballade in F-sharp major, Op.

19, for Piano and Orchestra: Part I: Andante cantabile; Part II: Allegro moderato; Part III: Andante.

Performed in three continuous movements.

Piano: Tetsuhiko Yumefuji; Arte Philharmonie conducted by Mizuho Tanaka.

In conclusion

We have introduced Fauré’s famous and representative works. Perhaps some of you sensed not only their beauty but also a slightly distinctive resonance and an elusive, hard-to-grasp character. Music has much in common with painting, and those who love French painting of the 20th century may also be drawn to Fauré’s works. I hope this article has conveyed the appeal of Fauré.