《Siciliene》

Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924)

Sciliene, Op.78 is considered one of Fauré's most well known pieces. Faure is especially known for his ability to create beautiful and fluid melodies, as aptly demonstrated in this piece. The song is in ternary ABA form; the piano plays elegant, lyrical arpeggios, evoking the image of a little boat drifting on a lake with ripples of light reflected off water’s surface, while the cello plays melodic patterns typically used by Fauré. Although the repeated rhythmic pulses are clear and simple, the piece creates an exceptionally mystical, charming quality. The cello used in this recording was made by French luthier Jacques Boquary (1680-1730) in 1719. The low murmurs of the cello encapsulate a mild melancholy and allow the composer and performer to lead the audience into an unknown, foreign land through the common language of music.