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. Show less