Gabriel Fauré plays his Pavane Op. 50

The Pavane in F-sharp minor, Op. 50, is a pavane 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 haunting Belle Époque elegance.

Performer: Gabriel Fauré (from a piano roll)

[craftsmanctfl]

I love the sound of this particular piano.

[pongproductions]

This is actually my favorite interpretation of this piece.

[jazzeffectgroup]

very interesting. He always was said playing this faster than what others play it now... but if we get too stuck splitting hairs about tempo then the world could have very easily ended centuries ago, too bad it didn't. It really changes your perception on the whole thing but in a good way. The way he improvises... really shows us that there is nothing wrong with it as long as you know which structures he abides by to create accompaniment. If anyone looks at the lyrics and takes sometime to understand the history behind this delightful work you can see why there is a tendency to really kind of force the melody going forward in intention and in tempo.

[ghostofyeats]

Seems almost presumptuous to comment on Faure playing one of his chestnuts, but.. this really is a lovely rendition, full of light and shadow and melancholy. He made some tiny improvisations, which isn't a surprise at all (Mozart famously notated the barest of bones of his concerti, which he'd fill in during performance). As many excellent performers know, tempo has nothing to do with mood -- a good performer can perform at a quick tempo and achieve a languid mood. This is a pavane and not a dirge, and the mood is set by the rubato and delicate dynamic nuance.

[Gunnarrabc]

thank you piano rolls for existing, and thank you dottore for posting

[firosuke]

Don't forget that music notation is only imperfect symbols. They can't capture the spirit of a piece better than hearing a recorded performance by the composer. I think that when people play music they composed themselves, they know the piece inside-out, and are much bolder and more free-spirited than performers who very carefully follow the letter of what was written, playing it precisely and yet not taking chances to express their own emotion spontaneously.
Yes, this version is fast and maybe rough in places, but this version sounds fresh, and seems to crackle with life and spontaneity. After hearing it, I much prefer this to languid orchestral performances.

[beethovenberlioz]

Inestimabile l esecuzione e il capolavoro che è sto pezzo

[PiotrstrashcanŚmietnikPiotra]

Wow! I have never heard this for the piano solo! Brilliant!

[ssamurai]

Man, if people are so mad about the piece being "too fast" then why they don't learn to play it and play it on whatever tempo they like?

[marcelobrunorodrigues]

I suppose that Fauré did a new concept about the pavane. Let's enjoy his own play.

[thomasbruno]

This is one of my favorite pieces of music, as I listen to it, I feel an emotional drama take place between my mind and spirit within myself as to remind me where I am in that moment of time, neither alive or dead but aware that the time will come when death itself will settle the matter, but until then, I enjoy the moment that I am still alive, and love this piece of music!

[gauss-uxhw]

A little faster or a little slower, it is still very beautiful, sad and melancholic.

[CatkhosruShapurrjiFurabji]

1:53 the octaves in the bass as played by Fauré has not been incorporated in this score, however the score is of great help since it, otherwise, totally matches the way he (Fauré) played it himself.

[MrGer]

Beautiful ! Happy and prosperous New Year 2018 ! Greetings from Philippines !

[harmonicparadox]

He plays different notes on the D chord in measure 2 by changing up the accompaniment pattern

[MrMcsia]

A great composer can still be a lousy Pianist. Thank you for this interesting Piano roll! I never knew Fauré intended it to be that fast.

[MikeFowlerguitars]

At this increased tempo one can hear the counterpoint in the middle section a little better

[mnadezhdaglushko]

Wow, I like this interpretation much more than slower versions, some of them are way too formal and lack life and creative expression. Having read some of the comments, I think nowdays people forget that sheet music are not meant to be some kind of dogmatic texts and that it's the musician who should bring their own feeling and understanding into the music. Thanks for posting!

[Hommedelouest]

Measures 63-66 are a bit different than in the score, i realy love this recording!

[jflatley]

I love this song. I'm currently studying it on my clarinet.