Description
Book SynopsisJean-Michel Nectoux's richly-illustrated biography of Gabriel Fauré traces his life in the world of Saint-Saens, Flaubert, Verlaine, Ravel Debussy and Proust, and considers his music, with particular emphasis on his adjustments to the musical language of the twentieth century and the formation of his late style. Works in all genres are discussed in detail.
Trade Review'J.-M. Nectoux's [book] on Fauré is as much literary as theoretical and, in spite of the enormous fund of information it contains, is more reflective than didactic. It is a superb demonstration of the possibilities of creative criticism.' L'Avant-Scène Opéra
'… marks a new stage in the understanding and “discovery” of this body of work.' Monde de la Musique
Table of ContentsList of illustrations; Prelude; Acknowledgements; 1. Gradus ad Parnassum; 2. Scenes from provincial life; 3. Friends and lovers; 4. Fauré as pianist and organist; 5. Roses for Des Esseintes: from the romance to the mélodie; 6. Sotto voce: chamber music I; 7. Choral music; 8. The theatre I: operatic projects and incidental music; 9. The Verlaine years: song cycles and further operatic projects; 10. The theatre II: Prométhée; 11. Works and days; 12. Pomp and circumstance; 13. Towards the twentieth century; 14. The theatre III: Pénélope, Masques et Bergamasques; 15. Words and music: the van Lerberghe years; 16. The late piano works; 17. Light and shade: chamber music II; 18. Fauré 'modern style'; 19. Ultima verba; 20. Inner voices; Chronology; Chronological catalogue of Fauré's works; Bibliography; Index.
