Fauré and French Symphonism

Monday April 7, 2008	8:00 pm	Le Conseil des arts de Montréal en tournée Salle Sylvain-Lelièvre (Auditorium) — Cégep de Maisonneuve
Wednesday April 9, 2008	7:30 pm	Le Conseil des arts de Montréal en tournée Église Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs
Monday April 14, 2008	7:30 pm	Great Concert Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier — Place des Arts

This programme features two contrasting French works composed during the same period: a grandiose and passionate symphony, and an angelic and comforting Requiem. A new work will complete the evening’s performance.

Description

In his only symphony, César Franck bears witness to his love for Liszt, Wagner and Bach. A heroic character and warmth pervade the three movements in this work, considered one of the high points of late 19th century French music.Like his French counterpart, Fauré was among the leading figures in the renewal of French music at the end of the Romantic period. In death, Fauré above all sees relief and a seamless passage — hence the eloquent name “berceuse de la mort” (lullaby of death) given to his Requiem by a stranger quoted in the composer’s letters.