thumb|Fauré in early middle age
The Élégie (Elegy), Op. 24, was written by the French composer Gabriel Fauré in 1880, and first published and performed in public in 1883. Originally for cello and piano, the piece was later orchestrated by Fauré. The work features a sad and somber opening and climaxes with an intense, tempestuous central section before returning to the elegiac opening theme in C minor.
Composition
In 1880, having completed his First Piano Quartet, Fauré began work on a cello sonata. His frequent practice was to compose the slow movement of a work first, and he did so for the new sonata. The Élégie was a great success from the outset.
The orchestral version of the work requires two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, four horns and strings to accompany the cellist.
The Fauré specialist Jean-Michel Nectoux writes that the Élégie was one of the last works in which the composer allowed himself "such a direct expression of pathos." Nectoux regards the piece as "one of the last manifestations of French musical Romanticism. From now on, Fauré's music was to be more introverted and discreet."
Notes and references
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