Gabriel Urbain Fauré (1845 – 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 greatest works in his
later years, in a h...(+)
Gabriel Urbain Fauré (1845 – 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 greatest works in his
later years, in a harmonically and melodically much
more complex style.
Though Gabriel Fauré frequently incorporated vocal
duets into his sacred works, few duets are to be found
among the composer's chansons. One rare example is the
Two Duets, Opus 10 (1863 & 1873). The first of these
(Puisqu' Ici-bas ), with its strophic arrangement,
lends itself naturally to a duet setting. This, the
second (Tarantelle) is far less structured and even
folkish, and the composer here combines the two voices
to evoke the unrestrained nature of the dance. The duet
ends with a wild yet graceful refrain that suggests a
couple enjoying the abandon of dancing together. While
both duets are quick-paced, the strong structure of the
first and the looser structure of the second provide a
vivid contrast.
Fauré conceived "Two Duets" (Opus 10) for Claudie and
Marianne Viardot (his being in love with Marianne at
the time). Tarantelle is as much of an erotic song as
the times allowed. the first performance of both the
duets of Opus 10 was given a concert at the societe
Nationale de la Musique (SNM) on 10 April 1875. With
the help of Messager, Fauré orchestrated this duet
later in the same year.
Although this work was originally written for Piano and
Soprano Voices, I created this arrangement for Piccolo
(or Flute), Flute and Concert (Pedal) Harp.
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