Gabriel Fauré
French composer linking Romanticism with early 20th-century modernism.
Gabriel 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, Sicilienne, nocturnes for piano and the songs 'Après un rêve' and 'Clair de lune'.
- born
- 12 May 1845
- died
- 4 November 1924
- field
- Composer, organist, pianist, teacher
- nationality
- French
- known_for
- Pavane, Requiem, Sicilienne, nocturnes for piano, songs 'Après un rêve' and 'Cla
Lore & Background
Fauré was born in Pamiers, Ariège, in southern France, the youngest of six children. His family was cultured but not especially musical; his talent became clear when he was a young boy. At age nine he was sent to the École Niedermeyer music college in Paris, where he trained as a church organist and choirmaster. In his later years, he suffered from increasing deafness.
Reader's Guide
Fauré's music has been described as linking the end of Romanticism with the modernism of the second quarter of the 20th century. 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. Outside France, his music took decades to become widely accepted, except in Britain, where he had many admirers during his lifetime.
Did You Know?
- Fauré was the youngest of six children.
- At age nine he was sent to the École Niedermeyer music college in Paris.
- He was awarded a Croix de Guerre for his service in the Franco-Prussian War.
- An unprecedented national musical tribute was held for him in Paris in 1922, headed by the president of the French Republic.
- In his later years, he suffered from increasing deafness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Gabriel Fauré?
Gabriel Urbain Fauré (1845–1924) was a French musician who worked as a composer, organist, pianist, and teacher. He is widely regarded as one of the leading French composers of his generation.
What are Gabriel Fauré's most famous works?
His best-known pieces include the Pavane, the Requiem, the Sicilienne, his piano nocturnes, and the art songs 'Après un rêve' and 'Clair de lune.' These remain staples of the classical repertoire and are among the first works many listeners encounter from him.
Why is Gabriel Fauré considered important in music history?
Fauré served as a crucial bridge between late Romanticism and the early modernist language of the twentieth century. His harmonic and melodic choices shaped the thinking of numerous composers who followed him.
What did Gabriel Fauré do besides composing?
He was an active organist and concert pianist throughout his career, and he devoted a great deal of time to teaching, mentoring younger musicians. These roles alongside composition made him a central figure in French musical life.
When was Gabriel Fauré born and when did he die?
He was born on 12 May 1845 in France and died on 4 November 1924, living to the age of seventy-nine.
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