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| Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) |
Gabriel Fauré wrote his Pavane in 1887. Originally conceived as a solo piece for the piano, it soon gained traction amongst his musical peers and became an orchestral tour de force, before transmogrifying into a renowned choral work.
It's a tune (and melody) that works on so many levels and, as you can see from the three versions I've chosen below, there is neither an orchestra or, indeed, choir to be seen.
Acclaimed keyboard player Brian Auger reworked it in 1970 as a crossover classical/jazz infused, Hammond led instrumental. I defy you to keep still while you're listening to it. Would Fauré approve? I'd like to think so.
Next up a trumpet led take on it by horn player Markus Hoerhan. Not really straying too far from the original dots, it's not unpleasant at all. Toot toot.
And finally, a more traditional approach. Straight from the concert hall, but with just guitar (Craig Lake) and flute (Sian Fenn). It's probably how Fauré heard it in his head when he was writing it.
If I had to rank them I think I'd struggle to be honest. What do you think?
Brian Auger was new to me until the other week when I wrote about Steampacket for my Rod Stewart post and someone pointed out he was a member. Like all the versions but kinda think I like his the best - What would M. Fauré have thought indeed.
ReplyDeleteSomething tells me Steampacket would have been one of the bands to see in the mid 60s.
DeleteIt's so good in any form and is forever embedded in my mind from years ago when I learned to play it on the recorder aged about 9 or 10. That along with Bourrée became favourites (I was yet to hear the Jethro Tull version of the latter).
ReplyDeleteIf I had to rank them, I'd go for the guitar and flute version first, probably because of my associations with that sound for this, but Brian Auger would come a very close second.
Thanks for the education too, I had no idea it was written as late as 1887. I always thought it was far far older.
I heard Brian Auger's version for the first time over the weekend: Andy Lewis was playing it on his Saturday afternoon show on Soho Radio. It is rather tasty, isn't it?
DeleteIt's such a beautiful melody. I've always been a sucker for flute and guitar, but I did enjoy the Markus Hoerhan track too.
ReplyDeleteYou and me both, Marie.
DeleteI think I'll do this again with another piece, and another three takes on it.
All I can say is, it's about time I added some Brian Auger to my collection. Nice post, John.
ReplyDeleteIt is! And 'thank you!'
DeleteWhile you're here Martin - I've tried numerous times to leave comments over at your place but they just disappear into the ether; not sure if it's just me, or have others been struggling too?
I haven't heard of anyone else having difficulty, John. Are you commenting with your Google account or open ID?
Delete