Gabriel Fauré

The Profile

Gabriel Fauré (1845–1924) was a French composer, organist, and influential teacher whose refined style bridged Romanticism and early modernism. He served as director of the Paris Conservatoire and taught figures such as Maurice Ravel and Nadia Boulanger.

Born in Pamiers, France (1845), died in Paris (1924). Composer, organist at La Madeleine, and director of the Paris Conservatoire (1905–1920). Hallmarks include subtle harmonic color, modal inflections, and graceful melody. Widely known for his Requiem, Op. 48, Pavane, Op. 50, and chamber works.

A poetic, autumn-tinged review centers on Fauré’s Requiem, Op. 48, highlighting its calm, consolatory character. It traces key movements from Kyrie to In paradisum, praises a Giulini recording, and quotes both Fauré on death’s serenity and Proust’s ardent admiration. Overall tone: reverent and reflective.