Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

The Quest for a Libretto

Donald Macleod describes how, inspired by his passion for Wagner, Faure embarked on his long search for a good libretto. With Souvenirs de Bayreuth and Two Songs, Op 51.

Donald Macleod follows the dramatic thread running through Gabriel Fauré's musical output. Today, inspired by his passion for Wagner, Fauré embarks on his long search for a decent libretto.

"Take lots of handkerchiefs, because you will cry a great deal! Also take a sedative, because you will be exalted to the point of delirium!" - Fauré's advice to anyone intending to take a trip to Bayreuth, the shrine of Wagnerian music-drama. In time, Fauré's love of Wagner abated somewhat, but that did nothing to diminish his desire to write an opera of his own - if only he could find a collaborator.

Berceuse (Dolly, Op 56)
Eric Le Sage, Alexandre Tharaud, piano duet

Souvenirs de Bayreuth, Op posth
Eric Le Sage, Alexandre Tharaud, piano duet

Caligula - incidental music, Op 52
Orchestre du Capitole de Toulouse
Michel Plasson, conductor

'Spleen' (4 Songs, Op 51)
Gérard Souzay, baritone
Dalton Baldwin, piano

'La Rose' (4 Songs, Op 51)
Elly Ameling, soprano
Dalton Baldwin, piano

Shylock (incidental music) - Suite, Op 57
Orchestre du Capitole de Toulouse
Michel Plasson, conductor

Producer: Chris Barstow.

1 hour

Last on

Mon 21 Nov 2016 18:30

Music Played

  • Gabriel Fauré

    Dolly - Berceuse

    Performer: Eric Le Sage. Performer: Alexandre Tharaud.
    • Alpha 603.
    • Alpha.
    • 1.
  • Gabriel Fauré

    Souvenirs de Bayreuth

    Performer: Eric Le Sage. Performer: Alexandre Tharaud.
    • Alpha 603.
    • Alpha.
    • 11.
  • Gabriel Fauré

    Fauré: Caligula - incidental music, Op 52

    Orchestra: Toulouse Capitole Orchestra. Conductor: Michel Plasson. Ensemble: Alix Bourbon Vocal Ensemble.
    • EMI : CDC 7-47939-2.
    • EMI.
    • 6.
  • Gabriel Fauré

    4 songs Op.51 - Spleen

    Performer: Dalton Baldwin. Singer: Gérard Souzay.
    • BRILLIANT : 92792.
    • BRILLIANT.
    • 21.
  • Gabriel Fauré

    4 songs Op.51 - La rose

    Performer: Dalton Baldwin. Singer: Gérard Souzay.
    • BRILLIANT : 92792.
    • BRILLIANT.
    • 21.
  • Gabriel Fauré

    Shylock - suite Op.57

    Singer: Nicolai Gedda. Orchestra: Toulouse Capitole Orchestra. Conductor: Michel Plasson.
    • EMI : 574-8502.
    • EMI.
    • 14.

Broadcasts

  • Mon 21 Nov 2016 12:00
  • Mon 21 Nov 2016 18:30

Vaughan Williams Today

Vaughan Williams Today

Programmes, concerts and features celebrating Vaughan Williams's 150th anniversary.

Beethoven Unleashed – the box set

Beethoven Unleashed – the box set

The complete set of Radio 3 Beethoven Unleashed podcasts, with Donald Macleod.

What was really wrong with Beethoven?

What was really wrong with Beethoven?

Georgia Mann and neurosurgeon Henry Marsh examine the composer's numerous health problems

Composers A to Z

Composers A to Z

Visit the extensive audio archive of Radio 3 programmes about Composers and their works.

Who knew? Five eye-opening stories from Composer of the Week

Who knew? Five eye-opening stories from Composer of the Week

The production team reflects on 5 of Donald Macleod’s best stories from the last 20 years

Five reasons why we love Parry's Jerusalem

What is the strange power of Jerusalem which makes strong men weep?

A man out of time – why Parry's music and ideas were at odds with his image...

The composer of Jerusalem was very far from the conservative figure his image suggests.

Composer Help Page

Find resources and contacts for composers from within the classical music industry.