Sixty Songs

The elegantly expressive songs in this volume are among the finest works of the composer generally regarded as the greatest master of the French song. Gabriel Fauré wrote then between 1861 and 1904, and gathered them into three collections, all reprinted here from authoritative French editions originally prepared for medium voice.

Set to texts by such distinguished writers as Victor Hugo, Théophile Gautier, Charles Baudelaire, Paulk Verlaine, and Jean Richepin, the songs reflect the subtle refinement of Fauré’s creative sensibilities and the conviction he could bring to a broad range of moods. Included here are such well-known works as “Clair de lune,” “Après un rêve,” and “Les roses d’Ispahan,” along with such touching masterpieces as “Chanson de pêcheur” and “L’absent,” and the emotionally charged “Le voyageur” and “Automne.”

In these exquisite compositions, among the most frequently performed and recorded songs today, singers will discover the strikingly individual textures, melodies, and harmonies with which Fauré forged a musical style that bridged late-Romantic and 20th-century musical idioms, and deeply influenced a generation of composers.

Reprint of three series of songs published by J. Hamelle, Paris, n.d.