When Gabriel Fauré sat down to compose his “Requiem, Op. 48” in the late 1880s, he chose a gentle path, explaining why the work has earned the description “lullaby of death.”   Over a span of nearly 25 years, Fauré augmented and revised his work, adding two movements and expanding the orchestration.  Our August 25 “Feast of St. Louis Oratory” features Pie Jesu, a simple melody written for solo soprano to accompany the text—a prayer that Jesus grant everlasting rest to the deceased.

The music of Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) plays an integral part of the “Feast of St. Louis Oratory,” represented by his “En Priere,” “Pie Jesu” from Requiem, and “Ave Maria.”  We’ve compiled a few facts about this French composer, widely regarded as the greatest master of French song (mélodie).  Fauré’s legacy also can be found in his contributions to a movement that aimed to establish a characteristically French style of composition.