Claire de Lune (Menuet) Op. 46 No 2 (1887) – Gabriel Fauré

"Even while singing, in a minor key, 

of victorious love and fortunate living, 

they do not seem to believe in their happiness"

Regarded by many as the quintessential French Melodié, it is hard to imagine the tempestuous relationships led by its creators. The poet attempted to kill his lover in a jealous rage, and the composer, slipping into depression in an unsatisfying marriage, was extremely attractive to women and “his conquests were legion in the Paris salons.” [Duchen, Jessica. “A still, small voice”, The Guardian, 24 November 1995, p. A12]

Fauré [read more…]