The poet Paul Verlaine and Queen Victoria shared the opinion that eloquence should be avoided in communication.
Critical Reception
Fauré's song cycle "La Bonne Chanson" was met with disapproval from some, including Debussy and Fauré's teacher Saint-Saëns, who found its harmonies too complicated or thought Fauré had "gone mad."
Cultural Impact
Marcel Proust, known for his dense, symphonically constructed prose, adored Fauré's song cycle "La Bonne Chanson."
Performer Biography
Carolyn Sampson, the soprano on this recording, has performed worldwide in repertoire from early baroque to contemporary music, including appearances at the BBC Proms and with major orchestras.
Composition History
Three of the songs on this album date from 1885, the year of the death and state funeral of Victor Hugo, a prominent figure in French eloquence.
Performer Biography
Joseph Middleton, the pianist, specializes in chamber music and song accompaniment, performing with many of the world's finest singers in major music centers.
Composer Biography
Debussy was taught piano by Verlaine's mother-in-law, Mme Mauté, but there is no evidence that the composer and poet ever met.
