Gabriel Fauré Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Suite ‘Pelléas et Mélisande,’ Op. 80Gabriel Fauré57rank/position

Pelléas et Mélisande Suite, Op. 80 by Gabriel Fauré

The Suite “Pelléas et Mélisande,” Op.

80 was composed in 1898 as incidental music for the stage.

Consisting of four movements, it is distinguished by graceful, refined melodies and harmonies.

Closely tied to the characters and scenes of the story, it depicts the intertwining of love, tragedy, and fate.

In particular, the third movement, “Sicilienne,” with its lively yet slightly wistful melody, hints at Mélisande’s beautiful but fragile destiny and has remained in the hearts of many.

Fauré’s music incorporates innovative harmonies within a calm, lyrical idiom, securing an important place in the history of French music.

Strongly influenced by Symbolism, the work’s appeal lies in Fauré’s distinctive sonority—dramatic yet suffused with lyricism.

Suite ‘Masques et bergamasques’, Op. 112Gabriel Fauré58rank/position

Gabriel Faure: Masques et Bergamasques

Suite Masques et bergamasques, Op.

112: 1.

Overture, 2.

Minuet, 3.

Gavotte, 4.

Pastorale.

Four movements arranged as an orchestral suite from the original eight pieces of incidental music.

Performed by the Young Artists Orchestra of Greenville, conducted by Gary Robinson.

Barcarolle No. 10 in A minor, Op. 104-2Gabriel Fauré59rank/position

Fauré Op.104-2 Barcarolle No.10 in A minor Fauré Barcarolle No.10 with Score Sheet Music [Kero]

This piece is notable for its 6/8 rhythm that ripples smoothly like a water’s surface.

Published in 1913, it unfolds a beautiful melody imbued with deep emotion within the key of A minor.

The shifting, dreamlike harmonies and the delicate interplay of rhythms between the two hands vividly evoke the image of a gondola drifting across the waters of Venice.

While it begins with a gentle character, the music gradually builds in the middle section, growing richer in texture—a compelling structural feature.

For piano learners, it is an ideal work to cultivate nuanced expression while maintaining a fundamental rhythmic pattern.

Highly recommended for those who wish to savor the refined atmosphere characteristic of French music.

Barcarolle No. 6 in E-flat major, Op. 70Gabriel Fauré60rank/position

Gabriel Fauré – Barcarolle Nº 6 in E flat major, Op.70

For intermediate players, I recommend Gabriel Fauré’s Barcarolle No.

6 in E-flat major, Op.

70.

While it wouldn’t be wrong to call it advanced in terms of difficulty, it’s on the easier side among advanced pieces suitable for intermediate learners to tackle.

Although it uses compound meter, it’s mostly in 6/8, so you likely won’t find the meter particularly challenging.

The rhythms themselves are simple as well, which makes it easier to focus on the harmonies—another reason this piece ranks lower in difficulty.

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Barcarolle No. 9 in A minor, Op. 101Gabriel Fauré61rank/position

Fauré Barcarolle No. 9, Op. 101 in A minor — Score with sheet music [Kero]

Set in a 6/8 meter that evokes an elegant undulation, this piece features decorative arpeggios like light reflected on the water and a wistful melody that leaves a strong impression.

As the central theme, placed in the middle register, unfolds through successive variations, it reveals the delicate expression crafted by the refined harmonies characteristic of French music.

Premiered in 1909 at the Salle Érard in Paris, the work—despite its seemingly complex notation—can be performed if practiced carefully at a calm tempo.

It is recommended for those who wish to savor a unique sound world that evokes the transition from the Romantic to the Impressionist era, while cherishing the gentle, wave-like rhythm.

Fantaisie for Flute and Piano, Op. 79Gabriel Fauré62rank/position

Faure – FANTASY for Flute and Piano Op.79

Fantaisie in C major, Op.

79, for flute and piano.

The first part, Andantino, is lyrical and somewhat exotic; the second part, Allegro, is full of vitality.

The performers are Buenos Aires–based flutist Claudio Barile and pianist Paula Peluso.