Fauré for Me

My friend recently picked up a book of Gabriel Fauré's music scored for piano. I borrowed it to see if any of it was playable with my limited skills, and it turns out I could conceivably play several movements from Fauré's Requiem -- among other pieces. I was thrilled.

I hadn't listened to it in a while and I was reminded just how lovely the Fauré Requiem is. It's interesting since he had no point in writing it other than to see what he could come up with for this classical form. Despite that, Fauré produced one of the most tranquil and peaceful Requiems I've ever heard. There's really very little bombast here, and while bombast has it's place, sometimes it's nice just to have something to sooth you. It's worth a listen if you get a chance.

Fauré - Pie Jesu

London Musici, Richard Marlow Conducting

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In terms of versions, I'm not too fussy on big orchestras playing this. The delicate nature of the music lends itself well to a smaller ensemble. This version featuring Richard Marlow conducting London Musici and the Choir of Trinity College Cambridge is pretty well perfect in my opinion. That, and the fact that it's couple with some great Maurice Duruflé's pieces make this Conifer Classics recording one of my favorites.

Now I better go practice the Agnus Dei.