Gabriel Fauré Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Theme and Variations, Op. 73Gabriel Fauré43rank/position

Gabriel Fauré – Thème et Variations Op. 73 (1895)

Composed in 1895 and premiered in London the following year, this solo piano work by Fauré begins in C-sharp minor and, through eleven variations, moves to the parallel major of C-sharp major.

Its structure highlights Fauré’s uniquely serene beauty and profound expressiveness.

Each variation has its own character—for example, the dreamlike tone of the ninth variation and the Schumann-like passionate sonorities of the tenth are particularly striking.

The piece captivates with Fauré’s characteristically delicate, lyrical melodies fused with innovative harmonies.

It is recommended not only for lovers of Romantic music, but also for listeners who seek deep emotion within tranquility.

Impromptu No. 2 in F minor, Op. 31Gabriel Fauré44rank/position

Fauré / Impromptu No. 2 in F minor, Op. 31 / Performed by Minako Kishi

Gabriel Fauré’s masterpiece, Impromptu No.

2 in F minor, Op.

31.

It’s a piece you fairly often hear at piano recitals.

Its difficulty level is intermediate.

To give a concrete comparison, if you can play Chopin’s Impromptu No.

1, you should basically be able to handle this piece without much trouble.

That said, the tempo marking is very fast and demands quick triplet passages.

For those who struggle with fast playing, it will make excellent practice.

Be sure to check it out.

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Impromptu No. 5 in F-sharp minor, Op. 102Gabriel Fauré45rank/position

Fauré Impromptu No 5 Opus 102

If you’re looking to tackle an energetic, crowd-pleasing work by Gabriel Fauré, I recommend his Impromptu No.

5 in F-sharp minor, Op.

102.

Written in a minor key and in 2/4 time, it has a remarkably lively character, as its tempo indication suggests.

In terms of difficulty, it sits toward the upper end of the intermediate level.

Since it features continuous sixteenth notes, it also offers excellent practice for those whose fingerwork needs refining.

Be sure to check it out.

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Impromptu No. 6, Op. 86Gabriel Fauré46rank/position

Impromptu No. 6, Op. 86

Gabriel Fauré’s Impromptu No.

6, Op.

86 is a work for solo harp that epitomizes the beauty of Romantic music.

Commissioned in 1904 for a competition at the Paris Conservatory, it was premiered by the young harpist Micheline Kahn, who won first prize.

Owing to its delicate sonorities and high technical demands, it remains one of the most important pieces in the harp repertoire today.

The work is marked by the introspective yet richly expressive qualities characteristic of Fauré’s music, subtly depicting a passion that lies beneath quietude.

Fauré also prepared a piano arrangement of the piece, making it rewarding to compare the differing timbres and atmospheres.

The Queen in the Tower, Op. 110Gabriel Fauré47rank/position

Naoko Yoshino / Fauré: Une châtelaine en sa tour… — Naoko Yoshino / Fauré: The Lady of the Castle in Her Tower

Gabriel Fauré, a leading figure in French music, composed The Queen in the Tower, Op.

110 in 1918.

Originally written for harp, it was later arranged for piano.

This piece highlights Fauré’s delicate, lyrical musicality, offering a full taste of his romantic style.

The harp version in particular is highly regarded for its refined sonorities, which expand the instrument’s expressive possibilities, and it has become an important part of the harp repertoire.

Although Fauré did not come from a musical family, he displayed remarkable talent from an early age and produced numerous influential works throughout his life.

This work can be seen as a culmination of his romantic idiom and is an ideal choice for those who appreciate gentle, beautiful music.

Nocturne No. 6, Op. 63Gabriel Fauré48rank/position

Fauré: Nocturne n°6 (live) | Michel Dalberto

Published in 1894, this piece is among the most popular of Fauré’s thirteen Nocturnes.

Its gently flowing triple meter, beginning at a relaxed adagio, warmly enfolds the listener.

In the middle section, the key modulates and new sonorities unfold, expressing nuanced shifts of emotion.

The music then returns to the quiet atmosphere of the opening, creating a cyclical structure across the work.

It offers the serene, delicate mood so characteristic of Fauré—a perfect recommendation for those seeking a calm, reflective moment.

Lullaby in D minor, Op. 16Gabriel Fauré49rank/position

Faure: “Berceuse”, Op. 16

The short piece Fauré composed around 1879 was originally written for violin and piano.

Dedicated to his close friend Hélène Depret, it is characterized by a gently rocking melody in 6/8 time.

Its graceful, delicate melody and accompaniment are captivating, conveying Fauré’s distinctive serene beauty.

Set at an Allegretto moderato tempo, the work leaves an impression of an overall calm tone.

Fauré later arranged a version with orchestral accompaniment himself, and it has been adapted for various instrumental combinations.

It’s a recommended piece for those seeking gentle tranquility.