Gabriel Faure

Gabriel Urbain Fauré (May 12, 1845 – November 4, 1924) was a French composer, organist, and teacher. He was one of the foremost French composers of his generation, and his musical style influenced many 20th-century composers.

Fauré was born in Pamiers, France, into a cultured but not especially musical family. His talent became clear when he was a young boy. At the age of nine, he was sent to the École Niedermeyer music college in Paris, where he was trained to be a church organist and choirmaster. Among his teachers was Camille Saint-Saëns, who became a lifelong friend. After graduating from the École Niedermeyer in 1865, Fauré earned a modest living as an organist and teacher, leaving him little time for composition.

In 1877, Fauré was appointed organist at the church of La Madeleine in Paris and professor of composition at the Paris Conservatory. He held these positions until 1905, when he was appointed director of the conservatory. He remained in office until ill health and deafness forced him to resign in 1920. Among his students were Maurice Ravel, Georges Enescu, and Nadia Boulanger.

Fauré was a slow and painstaking composer, and he was only able to write in the summer holidays. He was also a shy and reclusive man, and he had difficulty dealing with the business side of music. However, he was a prolific composer, and he produced a body of work that is considered to be among the most important in French music.

Fauré's music is characterized by its lyricism, its beauty, and its refinement. He was a master of melody and harmony, and his orchestration is often described as being "transparent."

Fauré's most famous works include the Requiem, the Pavane, the Sicilienne, and the Nocturnes. He also composed operas, symphonies, chamber music, and piano music.

Fauré died in Paris on November 4, 1924, at the age of 79. He was buried in the Montmartre Cemetery.

Fauré's music is still performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world. He is considered one of the most important composers of the late Romantic era.