Gabriel Fauré: Berceuse opus 16

Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924): Berceuse, Op. 16 (1879) Henrik Dam Thomsen - cello Ulrich Stærk - Piano Director: Anders Ladegaard Cinematographer: Krister Stub Jørgensen Edit: Jacob Brasch Animation and grading: Anders Ladegaard Producer: Mette Søndergaard “Berceuse” means lullaby. But in 1879, Fauré only had himself to rock to sleep. He was a bachelor and childless. The Berceuse is neither autobiographical nor written for any particular purpose. Fauré wrote the lullaby because he couldn’t help himself. It is one example, among many, proving that Fauré was a master of the miniature. No one does it better when it comes to writing music of short duration and great expression. Good melodies, warm harmonies and pleasant atmospheres are hallmarks of Fauré. The Berceuse opens with a gentle rippling of the piano. The cello takes the lead with a swaying melody in a melancholy tone that gradually unfolds but never loses its singable beauty. The Berceuse is charming, irresistible, and impossible to fall asleep to.