Gabriel Fauré, the composer, spent forty years of his life as a church musician, serving as choirmaster or organist until 1905.
Album & Artwork
The album's cover illustration is an 1887 painting by Henri Lerolle, titled 'La répétition à la tribune', depicting the organ gallery of the church of Saint-François Xavier in Paris.
Instruments
Fauré frequently used the harp in his sacred music orchestrations, and also noted that a strong harmonium could suffice if an organ was unavailable for the Requiem.
Composition History
The Messe des pêcheurs de Villerville, a work by Fauré and André Messager, was composed for a benefit concert for a local fishermen's mutual aid society in Normandy.
Interpretation
This recording aims to recreate the intimate first version of Fauré's Requiem, as it was performed in the Madeleine church on January 16, 1888.
Recording & Production
This recording was made with the support of the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (Direction générale de la Culture, Service de la Musique).
Composition History
Fauré's Requiem was initially composed 'for nothing... just for the fun of it', rather than for the death of his parents as often suggested.
You might also enjoy...
Faure: Requiem
Fauré: Requiem
The Secret Fauré 3: Sacred Vocal Works
Fauré: Messe de Requiem; Cantique de Jean Racine
Gabriel Fauré: Requiem, Op. 48
Fauré : Requiem, Messe basse & Cantique de Jean Racine
