Gabriel Urbain 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 Nocturnes
for piano, the songs "Après un rêve" and "Clair de
lune", and his Requiem.
Faure composed "Noël" in 1885 clearly as an occasional
piece; a little Christmas song destined for a
performance where a harmonium was available to add ...(+)
Gabriel Urbain 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 Nocturnes
for piano, the songs "Après un rêve" and "Clair de
lune", and his Requiem.
Faure composed "Noël" in 1885 clearly as an occasional
piece; a little Christmas song destined for a
performance where a harmonium was available to add a
festive carillon color to the piano accompaniment.
The original text embraces a traditional religiosity to
which Faure responds dutifully at the end of the piece,
although a certain atypical unctuousness hovers
uncomfortably over the music unless it is performed
with open-hearted innocence.
Although this work was originally written for Piano,
Harmonium and voice, I created this arrangement for
Flute and Concert (Pedal) Harp to retain it's color and
elegance (sans harmonium).
The lyre harp is an ancient musical instrument that, despite having deep historical roots, enjoys renewed popularity among modern musicians. This instrument is a form of lyre, a family of stringed instruments played by plucking the strings, similar to a harp but generally smaller and more portable.
Two words, thank you! It is interesting that this, a work of his caliber, is so unknown and seldom performed.