Fauré's musical language is both radical and conservative, combining ancient modes with modern conventions to create a distinctive and elusive flavor.
Recording & Production
This album, featuring Gabriel Fauré's complete music for piano, was recorded in St George's Church, Brandon Hill, Bristol, in June and September 1994.
Performer Biography
Kathryn Stott, the pianist on this album, launched her international career after winning fifth prize in the Leeds International Piano Competition in 1978.
Performer Biography
Kathryn Stott was appointed Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Arts et Lettres by the French Government for her achievements as an ambassador of French music.
Composer Biography
Fauré faced significant personal struggles, including the trauma of his father's death and encroaching deafness, which he described as a "terrible cloak of misery."
Critical Reception
Fauré's music has often been considered a "poor country cousin" of Debussy and Ravel, and his genius was slow to be recognized.
Compositional Technique
Fauré's piano works, such as the Nocturnes and Barcarolles, often follow Chopin's example by contrasting tranquil outer sections with more turbulent central episodes.
