A Position of Importance

Fauré’s achievements are recognised at last by the Parisian musical establishment. Presented by Donald Macleod.

Gabriel Fauré’s story begins during the second half of the 19th century, when the musical world was dominated by the heavily romantic voices of composers like Wagner, Brahms and Liszt. Fauré became a key protagonist in a musical revolution that opened audiences’ ears to new modes of expression - modern, refined and utterly French. As a composer, and as a teacher at the Paris Conservatoire, he left a huge legacy on the music of the 20th century. This week Donald Macleod explores some of the many turning points in Fauré’s career, and how those events affected his life and his art.

One thing seemed to be eluding Fauré: proper recognition by the musical establishment in France. His name was put forward to be considered for the post of Professor of Composition at the Paris Conservatoire but the Director, Ambroise Thomas, declared, “Never! If he’s appointed, I’ll resign.” However, once Dubois took over as Director, Fauré was appointed to the staff of the conservatoire, where he had a significant impact upon future generations. It was during this same period, the decade of the 1890s, that Fauré started to visit the United Kingdom.

Le parfum impérissable, Op 76 No 1
Karine Deshayes, mezzo soprano
Orchestre de l’Opera de Rouen Haute-Normandie
Oswald Sallaberger, conductor

Dolly Suite, Op 56
Steven Osborne, piano
Paul Lewis, piano

Fantaisie, Op 79
Lisa Friend, flute
Rohan de Silva, piano

Pelléas et Mélisande, Op 80
Olga Peretyatko, soprano
Basel Symphony Orchestra
Ivor Bolton, conductor

Nocturne No 6 in D flat, Op 63
Angela Hewitt, piano

Produced by Luke Whitlock for BBC Wales