Après un rêve (Trois mélodies Op. 7, No 1, 1878)

Gabriel Urbain Fauré (12 May 1845 – 4 November 1924) was a French composer, organist, pianist and teacher. He was one of the foremost French composers of his generation, and his musical style influenced many 20th-century composers. Among his best-known works are his Pavane, Requiem, nocturnes for piano and the songs "Après un rêve" and "Clair de lune". Although his best-known and most accessible compositions are generally his earlier ones, Fauré composed many of his most highly regarded works in his later years, in a more harmonically and melodically complex style.

Fauré's music has been described as linking the end of Romanticism with the modernism of the second quarter of the 20th century. When he was born, Chopin was still composing, and by the time of Fauré's death, jazz and the atonal music of the Second Viennese School were being heard. The Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, which describes him as the most advanced composer of his generation in France, notes that his harmonic and melodic innovations influenced the teaching of harmony for later generations.

In this performance, I've used only the 8' flutes of the three divisions coupled together. The Flute Harmonique of the Grand Orgue is added or removed to "assist" the intensity of the dynamics.

As many are aware, "Après un rêve" is one Faure's most popular pieces. While I guess I "know it," I didn't listen to any piano versions, so as not have a fore-knowledge "affect" my performance - for better or for worse! ;-)

I dedicate this performance to Erzahler, who has just acquired the Metz sample set. I wish you much happiness with it Andrew!

Despite the fact that it's an "old" sample set, I still think the quality and realism are superb!

The score, in the fine transcription by Pierre Gouin is attached below, as well as a MIDI of the performance.

Also are attached are 2 photos of Gabriel Fauré. One dates from 1875, just three years before he composed this work. The other photo dates from 1907.