Composer of the Week - Gabriel Faure - Episode 1

By the time of his death in 1924, Gabriel Fauré was venerated as the grand old man of French music. Yet today, much of his output is neglected, and he plays ‘second fiddle’ to his better-known contemporaries, Debussy and Ravel. This week, Donald Macleod explores Fauré’s songs and chamber music, and discovers some forgotten gems along the way. Today’s programme includes the 1st Violin Sonata, which started Fauré on the road to recognition, and landed him an important publishing contract – on a zero-percent royalty! Clair de lune (Moonlight), Op 46 No 2 Felicity Lott (soprano) Graham Johnson (piano) Hyperion CDA 67334 CD1 t14 Puisqu'ici-bas toute ame (Since here on earth each soul), Op 10 No 1; Tarentelle, Op 10 No 2 Geraldine McGreevy, Stella Doufexis (sopranos) Graham Johnson (piano) Hyperion CDA67334 CD1 t2 Nocturnes Nos 1-3 for piano, Op 33 Kathryn Stott (piano) Hyperion CDA 66913 CD1 t1-3 Sonata No 1 for violin and piano, Op 13 Pierre Amoyal (violin) Pacal Roge (piano) DECCA 436 866-2 CD1 tracks 1-4