Gabriel Fauré's only string quartet which was composed in 1923-24 is the composer?s final work and was written at the suggestion of his publisher Jacques Durand.Until then Fauré had always put off writing a string quartet evidently because of Beethoven?s imposing shadow. When Fauré composed the quartet he was already extremely ill. He added dynamics and slurs only in some parts of the exposition of the first movement and then asked his former pupil Jean Roger-Ducasse to complete the work. Roger-Ducasse?s additions were however very extensive; he even altered and supplemented some of Fauré?s own markings in the exposition.Bärenreiter's first ever scholarlycritical edition of the quartet based on vol. V/3 of the edition 'Gabriel Fauré: ?vres complètes' begun in August 2010 utilises all sources including the composer?s letters which provide valuable insights into the origins of the composition. In particular Fauré?s penultimate work the Piano Trio op. 120 was used to guide the editor with his emendations.

Fragment of the string quartet Silent Walls-'Novelty of form selected modulations strange tone colours the use of completely unexpected rhythms' this is how Camille Saint-Saëns praised the debut work of a young colleague and continued: 'Above everything is a charm that surrounds the whole work and makes the mass of average listeners accept the most surprising audacities as something entirely natural.' The First Violin Sonata by Gabriel Fauré (1845 1924) was indeed an extraordinary composition which at the same time opened the way for the oeuvre of one of the most important French composers in the late 19th century and early 20th century: It was particularly with songs and pianomusic that he could win the heart of the audience. In the 1870s Fauré wrote three songs which were originally not meant to be a unity but were later assembled under opus number 7. The first song is 'Après Un Rêve' a romantic rapturous song which like a 'Song Without Words' by Mendelssohn is perfect for making music with an accompanied solo instrument.

Arrangeur: Bruno Borralhinho. Par FAURE GABRIEL. / Niveau : 3 / Répertoire / Quatuor à Cordes

A delightful arrangement of this piece which achieved its fame through its use as the theme tune to 'Listen With Mother' on the radio. This version also includes an optional third violin part.