Gabriel Faure (GAH-bree-ell   faw-RAY)

Born May 12, 1845 in Pamiers, France

Died November 4, 1924

Nationality: French

Period/Style: Romantic/Early Modern

About the composer:

Gabriel Faure had five older brothers and sisters.  He was the only musician in his family, descended from a line of butchers, smiths and military officers.  He enjoyed playing by himself outdoors, where he sensed the rhythm, melody and poetry of nature. His parents knew their son had a special talent and they wanted him to have the best musical education possible, but they couldn’t afford an expensive college.  Fortunately, an acquaintance of theirs who was a professor at a music school in Paris heard Gabriel playing the piano one day, and he was so impressed by his playing that he offered to pay Gabriel’s tuition if he would come to Paris to study with him.  That is where Faure developed his talent, not only as a pianist and organist, but also as a composer.

About the music:

Dolly Suite (13-18 min)

This was written for a little girl named Dolly.  Her mother was a friend of Faure. The movements of this suite have titles like “Lullaby”, “Dolly’s Garden”, and “Kitty Waltz.” Faure wrote this as a piano duet, but it has been arranged for orchestra, guitars and other groups of instruments.  The music has a wonderful childlike character.  It’s sweet, tender and playful.

Pavane (5-7 min)

A pavane was a popular dance in Italy during the 16^th and 17^th centuries, and composers from many different countries wrote music to it.  This is Faure’s elegant version of an old dance form.  Notice how the flute introduces the melody, then another flute joins in, and finally the whole orchestra. Underneath, if you listen carefully, you will hear a quiet rhythm played by the strings in a gentle pizzicato style.

Suggested activities:

Faure found rhythm and melody in nature.  Can you think of some “natural” rhythms and melodies you might hear if you took a walk outdoors?

Find out what “pizzicato” means. 

If you were to write a suite about yourself and the things you like, what are some titles you would give to the movements?  (Do you have a pet? A favorite toy, game or treat?)