´óÏó´«Ã½

Although the Pavane – in its version for orchestra and optional chorus – is a concert-hall favourite, it started life as a piano piece which Fauré composed in 1887. He later added a chorus. The music takes its slow, stately pulse from a ceremonial dance popular in 16th-century Europe, its Italian origins influenced by Spanish courtly manners. The choreographer Leonid Massine heard ‘haunting echoes of Spain's Golden Age’ in the music, and based a ballet on it for Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes; Maurice Ravel was similarly inspired to compose Pavane pour une infante défunte (Pavane for a Dead Infanta) while studying under Fauré at the Paris Conservatoire. Listen on headphones for the full spatial effect – it’ll make you feel as if you’re at the Royal Albert Hall in person