Pavane op. 50

Scoring: Coro SATB, 2 Fl, 2 Ob, 2 Clt, 2 Fg, 2 Cor, 2 Vl, Va, Vc, Cb

Gabriel Fauré’s Pavane is one of his most popular compositions. What is less known, however, is that the premiere of this stylized dance in April 1888 was actually performed in this present version for mixed choir rather than in the now more familiar orchestral version or instrumental arrange­ments.

The text, in the style of Verlaine, sketches the carefree society of the Belle Époque, in particular the various flirtations and dalliances of the dancers. Based on Fauré’s autograph score, this new Carus edition reflects the original (faster) tempo marking. In addition to the composer’s revised piano reduction, Carus is also publishing a modern version for choir and four hands (Carus 10.402/10).