These eight pieces were published as a collection in 1902, but some of them must have been written at a much earlier date. They are generally ignored by pianists because of their moderate technical difficulties and their lack of brilliancy. But their modesty conceals a great charm, and as a kind of intimate diary they remain dear to the heart of all Fauréans. It should be mentioned that their individual titles were added by the publisher and are not Fauré's. A charming and witty Capriccio in E flat major, almost a miniature Impromptu, is followed by a flexible and songful Fantaisie in A flat major, that could as well have been called a Song without Words. Next comes a marvellous little four-part Fugue in A minor, which Fauré wrote while still a student, and whose absolute purity of style is matched by its expressive charm and tenderness. The grave and intimate expression of the Adagietto in E minor (almost a funeral march) contrasts with the liveliness of the Improvisation in C sharp minor, originally written for the sight-reading examination of the Paris Conservatoire. A second Fugue in E minor, which does not quite equal the first one, is followed by the dashing and ebullient Allegresse in C major, a piece of heart-warming cheerfulness and infectious youth. The collection's last number, a Nocturne in D flat major, has already been discussed as Nocturne No. 8.
Harry HALBREICH
Marinkyo's School > Gabriel Fauré > Harry Halbreich > Gabriel Fauré / The Pièces Brèves
