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PASC008:
Pelléas et Mélisande Suite, Op. 80 - Fauré
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London
Symphony Orchestra
Conductor: Gaston Poulet Recorded 29th December 1953 and 1st January 1954 at Abbey Road Studio 1
Released in June 1954 on Parlophone LP PMC1016
Download ID: 106974/432794
Duration 17'49"
Prélude
Fileuse
Sicilienne
La
Mort de Mélisande
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It
is sometimes said that Fauré's music is so refined, so understated
and marked by such exquisite detail that only the French can appreciate
it properly. While his works do betray a French tendency toward classical
simplicity and restraint, they also incorporate modern harmony and technique.
The result is completely individual and meaningful to audiences of all
nationalities. Fauré has long been amongst my very favourite composers,
and it was a delight for me to work on this fabulous recording - a winner
of the coveted double-star award from The Record Guide.
Fauré's Pelléas et Mélisande was written as incidental music
for Maurice Maeterlinck's play of the same name. The play was first performed
in Paris in 1893, but was soon translated into English for performances
in London. The actress, Mrs Patrick Campbell, turned first to Debussy
for incidental music, but upon his refusal turned instead to Fauré,
who composed the score quickly in May, 1898. The premiere, at the Prince
of Wales Theatre that same year, was a tremendous success. Fauré
then selected three interludes for inclusion in an orchestral suite: Prélude,
Fileuse and Mort de Mélisande. The haunting Sicilienne
was added a few years later, and was taken from his unfinished music for
Le bourgeois gentilhomme.
The first
movement introduces the tragedy of the play, in which destiny seems to
control the unfolding drama more than the character's actions do. The
story takes place in the sinister atmosphere of a dank castle. An aging
Golaud meets Mélisande, a frail young girl who is weeping deep
in the forest. He weds her and introduces her to his younger brother Pelléas
(who he thinks will help keep her company). The two youths fall in love
and Golaud kills Pelléas in a rage. Mélisande dies quietly.
In this context, the two charming middle movements seem a temporary relief
from the inevitable tragedy brought to a conclusion with the last.
This
new restoration was carried out by Andrew Rose at Pristine Audio from
an original Parlophone LP generously provided by Mr. Keith Claxton.
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Fauré's Pelléas et Mélisande was written as incidental music
for Maurice Maeterlinck's play of the same name. The play was first performed
in Paris in 1893, but was soon translated into English for performances
in London. The actress, Mrs Patrick Campbell, turned first to Debussy
for incidental music, but upon his refusal turned instead to Fauré,
who composed the score quickly in May, 1898. The premiere, at the Prince
of Wales Theatre that same year, was a tremendous success. Fauré
then selected three interludes for inclusion in an orchestral suite: Prélude,
Fileuse and Mort de Mélisande. The haunting Sicilienne
was added a few years later, and was taken from his unfinished music for
Le bourgeois gentilhomme. 
