Fauré, Gabriel Urbain << foh RAY, ga bree EHL oor BAN >> (1845-1924), was a French composer. He was an important composer of French songs and song cycles (series of songs). Fauré also composed extensively for solo piano and for chamber groups. Fauré’s style is characterized by his adventurous use of harmony.
Fauré’s major compositions include Requiem (1900), a work for chorus and orchestra; and two song cycles, La Bonne Chanson (1894) and La Chanson d’Eve (1906-1910). Fauré also wrote the orchestral suite Pelleas et Melisande (1898) and two operas, Promethee (1900) and Penelope (1913).
Fauré was born on May 12, 1845, in Pamiers, near Toulouse. He worked primarily as a church organist until 1896, when he was appointed professor of composition at the Paris Conservatory. He served as director of the conservatory from 1905 to 1920. He died on Nov. 4, 1924.
