The "Pavane" in F# minor, Op. 50, is a composition by
the French composer Gabriel Fauré, written in 1887. It
was originally a piano piece, but is better known in
Fauré's version for orchestra and optional chorus.
Obtaining its rhythm from the slow processional Spanish
court dance of the same name, the Pavane ebbs and flows
from a series of harmonic and melodic climaxes,
conjuring a cool, somewhat haunting, Belle Époque
elegance.
The original version of the Pavane was written for
pia...(+)
The "Pavane" in F# minor, Op. 50, is a composition by
the French composer Gabriel Fauré, written in 1887. It
was originally a piano piece, but is better known in
Fauré's version for orchestra and optional chorus.
Obtaining its rhythm from the slow processional Spanish
court dance of the same name, the Pavane ebbs and flows
from a series of harmonic and melodic climaxes,
conjuring a cool, somewhat haunting, Belle Époque
elegance.
The original version of the Pavane was written for
piano in the late 1880s. The composer described it as
"elegant, but not otherwise important." Fauré intended
it to be played more briskly than it has generally come
to be performed in its more familiar orchestral
guise.
Since its premiere in 1888, Gabriel Fauré 's Pavane
Op. 50 has been an enormously popular piece of
classical music. Its beautiful main melody, evocative
harmonies and effective orchestration create a very
stirring and infectious work, which is why it has
become such a favourite with audiences and is so
frequently heard time and time again. It was used as
the theme to the 1998 World Cup, and has also been the
basis for various popular music songs, such as
Charlotte Church's "Dream a Dream".
Although originally written for Piano and later
Orchestra, I arranged his work for Viola & Acoustic
Piano.
SHEET MUSIC