Élégie (Fauré)

The Élégie (Elegy) for cello and orchestra, Op. 24, was written by Gabriel Fauré in 1883. The piece, in C minor, features a sad and somber opening and climaxes with an intense, fast-paced section. The piece, which is in ABA format, was originally conceived as part of an unfinished cello sonata. Fauré dedicated the work to Jules Loeb, who died in 1883. Originally for cello and piano, the piece was orchestrated by Fauré in 1890 at the request of conductor Édouard Colonne.

The work requires two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, four horns and strings to accompany the cellist ([1]).

Lionel Tertis transcribed the Élégie for viola.

The work is featured in the documentary La vie moderne (2008) by French director Raymond Depardon, which concerns the contemporary lives of farmers in the French countryside.

External links

• Performance with cello and piano