In 1878, during a melancholic period in his life, Faure composed this song. The achingly sad and beautiful melody is inspired by the words of an anonymous Italian poem translated into French. The poem tells of waking from a beautiful, romantic dream only to wish one could return into the “mysterious night.”
“In a slumber charmed by your image, I dreamed of happiness, ardent mirage; Your eyes were more tender, your voice pure and clear. You were radiant like a sky brightened sunrise;You were calling to me, and I left the earth to flee with you towards the light;The skies opened their clouds for us, splendors unknown, glimpses of divine light...Alas! Alas, sad awakening from dreams! I call to you, oh night, give me back your illusions; return, return with your radiance. Return, oh mysterious night.”Alice Yoo
Classical Music | Cello Music
Gabriel Fauré
Après un Rêve Play
Recorded on 10/02/2013, uploaded on 05/02/2014
Musician's or Publisher's Notes
In 1878, during a melancholic period in his life, Faure composed this song. The achingly sad and beautiful melody is inspired by the words of an anonymous Italian poem translated into French. The poem tells of waking from a beautiful, romantic dream only to wish one could return into the “mysterious night.”
“In a slumber charmed by your image, I dreamed of happiness, ardent mirage; Your eyes were more tender, your voice pure and clear. You were radiant like a sky brightened sunrise; You were calling to me, and I left the earth to flee with you towards the light; The skies opened their clouds for us, splendors unknown, glimpses of divine light... Alas! Alas, sad awakening from dreams! I call to you, oh night, give me back your illusions; return, return with your radiance. Return, oh mysterious night.” Alice Yoo
More music by Gabriel Fauré
Après un rève
Piano Quartet in C minor, Op. 15
Piano Quartet No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 45
Nocturne in e-flat minor, Op. 33, No. 1
Impromptu No. 3 in A-flat Major, Op. 34
From Requiem: Hostias
Élégie in C minor Op. 24
Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 1, Op. 13
Piano Quartet in C minor, Op. 15
Piano Quintet No. 1 in d minor, Op. 89
Performances by same musician(s)
Sonata for Cello and Piano
5 A.M. “After Allen Ginsburg” for Cello and Piano
Cello Sonata No. 4 in C Major, Op. 102, No. 1
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