Madrigal (Fauré)

The Madrigal, Op. 35, is a choral work composed by Gabriel Fauré around 1883. It is scored for mixed choir (SATB), soprano solo, and accompaniment – originally piano, but frequently performed with string quartet, string orchestra, or full orchestra.

The text is a light, pastoral poem by Armand Silvestre, celebrating the beauty of nature and the joys of romantic love. The music is typical of Fauré's style: elegant, lyrical, and harmonically rich. The piece is generally gentle and flowing, creating a serene and idyllic atmosphere.

The Madrigal begins with a choral section, followed by a brief solo for the soprano. The choir then returns, building to a climactic passage before subsiding into a tranquil conclusion. It is considered one of Fauré's more popular and accessible choral works. The piece showcases Fauré’s skill in crafting beautiful melodies and lush harmonies, combined with a refined sensitivity to the text. Its blend of choral textures, solo vocal lines, and elegant orchestration (or piano accompaniment) makes it a favored piece for both performers and audiences.