Five Songs

Gabriel Faur?s (1845-1924) exquisite art songs, including “Apr? un r?e” (Op. 7, No. 1; 1877), “Au bord de l’eau'” (Op. 8, No. 1; 1875), “Ici-bas” (Op. 8, No. 3; 1874), “Les Berceaux” (Op. 23, No. 1; 1879), and “Nell” (Op. 18, No. 1; 1878), stand among the most cherished works of the French m?odie tradition, admired for their seamless lyricism, refined harmonic language, and delicate interplay of voice and piano. These songs were originally premiered in the salons and concert halls of late 19th-century Paris, where Faur?was establishing himself as a leading composer of m?odie. In recent years, American organist and arranger Sterling Procter has created a sensitive transcription of these five works for horn and piano, reimagining their colors and textures while preserving their intimacy and expressive beauty. Today, these songs remain central to the vocal repertoire, beloved by singers and audiences alike, and Procter’s version offers performers and listeners a fresh perspective on some of Faur?s most enduring musical gems.h.”