Gabriel Faur lived during the turn of the 20th century.

As
a young boy, he grew up near a chapel and would love to
sneak in and play the organ. He played for many years
with no training or instruction until an elderly blind
woman heard him play and began to give him lessons.
After years of her teaching, Faur attended a school of
music in France, becoming a skilled organist and
composer.

There he studied under the tutelage of Camille SaintSaens who introduced him to more modern composers of
the time, such as Schumann, Liszt and Wagner. It was
under his tutelage, that Faur composed his first choral
work, titled Cantique de Jean Racine originally written
with accompaniment by strings and organ. He won first
prize (premier prix) at his school for this work.

Faur was one of the most prolific composers of French

mlodie, or French song, being one of the first to capture
the essence of the French language in his melodic lines.
This mainly involved the lack of emphasis on specific
syllables.

As you listen, try to hear the French style of speaking,

captured in Faurs flowing melodies and 20th century
harmonic style.