Fauré: Nocturnes & Barcarolles

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Gabriel Fauré's piano masterpieces with this exquisite collection of Nocturnes and Barcarolles. This album, released on August 23, 2024, by Harmonia Mundi, celebrates the centenary of Fauré's death by delving into his lesser-known yet profoundly beautiful works. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 2 minutes, this album features 13 Nocturnes and 13 Barcarolles, each a testament to Fauré's unique blend of sensual beauty and harmonic innovation.

The Nocturnes, composed over nearly five decades, showcase Fauré's remarkable ability to encapsulate complex musical ideas within a compact form. Unlike Chopin's delicate and fragile Nocturnes, Fauré's pieces often evoke a sense of emotional depth and raw intensity. The Barcarolles, equally captivating, reflect Fauré's stylistic evolution from his early influences of Chopin and Schumann to his later, more experimental works.

Pianist Aline Piboule brings these compositions to life with her nuanced and expressive playing. Recorded on a sublime Gaveau instrument from 1929, the album captures the rich, resonant tones of Fauré's piano works with stunning clarity. The recording sessions took place in St. Silas the Martyr, Kentish Town, London, between June and September 2022, ensuring an authentic and immersive listening experience.

This album is a celebration of Fauré's genius, offering a comprehensive journey through his piano repertoire. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Fauré's music, this collection promises to captivate and inspire. The album's cover features "San Giorgio Maggiore at Dusk" by Claude Monet, adding a visual dimension to the auditory delight that awaits within.

Gabriel Fauré, born in Pamiers, France, in 1845, was a titan of French music, renowned for his compositions, organ and piano performances, and influential teaching. As one of the leading composers of his generation, Fauré's unique harmonic and melodic style paved the way for many 20th-century composers. His works, such as the evocative "Pavane," the serene "Requiem," and the enchanting "Clair de lune," showcase his refined and gentle musical language, blending sensuality with reserve. Fauré's innovative approach to harmony and melody earned him a place among the most influential figures in late 19th and early 20th-century music. A founding member of the Société Nationale de Musique, he collaborated with and influenced notable figures like Saint-Saëns, Bizet, and his student Maurice Ravel. Throughout his career, Fauré's compositions evolved, with his later works demonstrating a more complex and sophisticated style. His enduring legacy lies in his ability to create music that is both accessible and deeply expressive, resonating with audiences and inspiring generations of musicians.