Madrigal SATB

Description

This title is taken from the compilation French Songs and Choruses for Mixed-Voice Choir.

While not as overtly demanding as “Apres un reve”, perhaps the most difficult of Fauré's songs, this composition requires not only sense of line and of delicacy, but rarely supplies the exact pitch to the singer before he or she embarks on the highly exposed vocal lines. The accompaniment often does supply the pitch right after the singer, which makes it easy for the singer to correct any misteps, and for the audience to notice problems.

The accompaniment is typical Fauré, with almost constant use of arpeggios and almost no heavy chords, giving the feeling of transparency that characterizes so many of his songs. The vocal lines are equally graceful and typical Faure, in flowing descending phrases.