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The Quest for a Libretto

Donald Macleod describes how, inspired by his passion for Wagner, Faure embarked on his long search for a good libretto. With Souvenirs de Bayreuth and Two Songs, Op 51.

Donald Macleod follows the dramatic thread running through Gabriel Fauré's musical output. Today, inspired by his passion for Wagner, Fauré embarks on his long search for a decent libretto.

"Take lots of handkerchiefs, because you will cry a great deal! Also take a sedative, because you will be exalted to the point of delirium!" - Fauré's advice to anyone intending to take a trip to Bayreuth, the shrine of Wagnerian music-drama. In time, Fauré's love of Wagner abated somewhat, but that did nothing to diminish his desire to write an opera of his own - if only he could find a collaborator.

Berceuse (Dolly, Op 56)
Eric Le Sage, Alexandre Tharaud, piano duet

Souvenirs de Bayreuth, Op posth
Eric Le Sage, Alexandre Tharaud, piano duet

Caligula - incidental music, Op 52
Orchestre du Capitole de Toulouse
Michel Plasson, conductor

'Spleen' (4 Songs, Op 51)
Gérard Souzay, baritone
Dalton Baldwin, piano

'La Rose' (4 Songs, Op 51)
Elly Ameling, soprano
Dalton Baldwin, piano

Shylock (incidental music) - Suite, Op 57
Orchestre du Capitole de Toulouse
Michel Plasson, conductor

Producer: Chris Barstow.

1 hour

Last on

Mon 21 Nov 2016 18:30

Music Played

  • Gabriel Fauré

    Dolly - Berceuse

    Performer: Eric Le Sage. Performer: Alexandre Tharaud.
    • Alpha 603.
    • Alpha.
    • 1.
  • Gabriel Fauré

    Souvenirs de Bayreuth

    Performer: Eric Le Sage. Performer: Alexandre Tharaud.
    • Alpha 603.
    • Alpha.
    • 11.
  • Gabriel Fauré

    Fauré: Caligula - incidental music, Op 52

    Orchestra: Toulouse Capitole Orchestra. Conductor: Michel Plasson. Ensemble: Alix Bourbon Vocal Ensemble.
    • EMI : CDC 7-47939-2.
    • EMI.
    • 6.
  • Gabriel Fauré

    4 songs Op.51 - Spleen

    Performer: Dalton Baldwin. Singer: Gérard Souzay.
    • BRILLIANT : 92792.
    • BRILLIANT.
    • 21.
  • Gabriel Fauré

    4 songs Op.51 - La rose

    Performer: Dalton Baldwin. Singer: Gérard Souzay.
    • BRILLIANT : 92792.
    • BRILLIANT.
    • 21.
  • Gabriel Fauré

    Shylock - suite Op.57

    Singer: Nicolai Gedda. Orchestra: Toulouse Capitole Orchestra. Conductor: Michel Plasson.
    • EMI : 574-8502.
    • EMI.
    • 14.

Broadcasts

  • Mon 21 Nov 2016 12:00
  • Mon 21 Nov 2016 18:30

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