Jessica Duchen
Gabriel Fauré: On the Centenary of His Death, a Look at His Life Through His Chamber Music
Summary
Among the great French composers of his time, Gabriel Fauré (1845–1924) is perhaps both the most alluring and the most elusive. Though he was best known for his requiem and ubiquitous pieces such as the pavane, the sicilienne, and the song “Après un rêve,” chamber music formed the backbone of his output. These works exemplify his uniquely seductive style, but also the determined independence of musical thought with which he laid the foundations for French music in the 20th century. Jessica Duchen, whose books include Fauré’s biography, guides us through the story of his life according to his chamber music and explores the wealth of thrilling cultural connections around it.
Jessica Duchen
Jessica is a music critic, author and librettist. She contributes to The Sunday Times, the i news and BBC Music Magazine and her operatic work includes Silver Birch and Dalia with Roxanna Panufnik for Garsington Opera. She has written biographies of Erich Wolfgang Korngold and Gabriel Fauré and seven novels on music-related topics. Her narrated concerts have been performed at Wigmore Hall, Kings Place and numerous festivals. Her next book is a biography of Dame Myra Hess, due for publication in spring 2025. Jessica read music at Cambridge and lives in London with her violinist husband.