Fauré Ballade Op. 19

[transitional]

I've fallen in love with this work more than I have before while rediscovering it in the Musical Madness tournament (thanks liszt-and-the-galops!) Fauré's one of my favorite composers and apparently this work's expansiveness even intimidated Liszt despite its lack of bravura. He eventually rewrote it as an arrangement between piano and orchestra to ease some of the textures that the pianist has to go through to get such a wonderful atmosphere. I honestly prefer the original version, but the orchestral version could be considered more accessible. I find Fauré's orchestration a bit lackluster, like Chopin, who mainly just used it to get a better sound on the piano. It's a shame it's so difficult and I haven't heard a recording I'm completely satisfied with. But it's still a stunning work.

[essence]

It is indeed a significant and grand work. I had not come across it before, so thanks. I find Faure more difficult than it first seems, I have struggled with some of the Nocturnes.

The ballade seems to be in a competition to see how many key changes can fit into a page!

[dizzyfingers]

I've fallen in love with this work more than I have before while rediscovering it in the Musical Madness tournament (thanks liszt-and-the-galops!) Fauré's one of my favorite composers and apparently this work's expansiveness even intimidated Liszt despite its lack of bravura. He eventually rewrote it as an arrangement between piano and orchestra to ease some of the textures that the pianist has to go through to get such a wonderful atmosphere. I honestly prefer the original version, but the orchestral version could be considered more accessible. I find Fauré's orchestration a bit lackluster, like Chopin, who mainly just used it to get a better sound on the piano. It's a shame it's so difficult and I haven't heard a recording I'm completely satisfied with. But it's still a stunning work.

Thanks for mentioning it, I usually don't care for the Faure pieces I hear, but haven't really given them a dedicated investigation.  This is definitely a grand and beautiful work. I listened to the Jean-Philippe Collard version on YT.

[essence]

The way the melody is sometimes in cannon reminds me of the Scriabin Fantasie.

Let me check whether I have the music somewhere in my pile, I might attempt to sight read it later this evening.

[liszt-and-the-galops]

I prefer the piano version as well.

I've fallen in love with this work more than I have before while rediscovering it in the Musical Madness tournament (thanks liszt-and-the-galops!)

No problem!
Also, I only knew about the Ballade at all because you mentioned it on the "Hardest pieces by every composer?" thread back in July, so thank you for that suggestion!

[lelle]

Thanks for mentioning it, I usually don't care for the Faure pieces I hear, but haven't really given them a dedicated investigation.

I have felt the same about Fauré many times. But there are many hidden gems! The issue is that many of his works are long and intricate and not immediately accessible. Listen to the Nocturnes CD with Hamelin, many of them are fantastic.

Oh and he has written one of the greatest piano quartets of all time: