Après un rêve op. 7/1

The First Violin Sonata by Gabriel Fauré (1845 1924) was, indeed, an extraordinary composition which, at the same time, opened the way for the oeuvre of one of the most important French composers in the late 19th century and early 20th century: It was particularly with songs and Pianomusic that he could win the heart of the audience.

In the 1870s Fauré wrote three songs which were originally not meant to be a unity, but were later assembled under Opus Number 7. The first song is 'Après un rêve', a romantic, rapturous song which, like a 'Song Without Words' by Mendelssohn, is perfect for making music with an accompanied solo instrument.