May 12, 1845:
Gabriel Urbain Fauré is born at 17 Rue Major, Pamiers, Ariège, Kingdom of France, 50 km south of Toulouse, the last of six children born to Tossaint-Honoré Fauré, deputy inspector of primary education at Pamiers, and Marie-Antoinette-Hélène Lalène-Laprade, daughter of a former captain in the Imperial army and a member of the minor aristocracy.
July 28, 1865:
The education of Gabriel Fauré (20) at Ecole Niedermeyer is completed as he wins premiers prix in composition, fugue, and counterpoint.
August 4, 1866:
Cantique de Jean Racine for chorus and organ by Gabriel Fauré (21) is performed for the first time, at the blessing of the organ in the Church of St. Sauveur, Rennes. The premiered is played on harmonium and string quintet. See 28 January 1906.
July 19, 1868:
Cantique à St.-Vincent-de-Paul, a song for voice and organ by Gabriel Fauré (23), is performed for the first time, in the Church of St. Sauveur de Rennes.
August 13, 1868:
Le papillon et la fleur op.1/1, a song by Gabriel Fauré (23) to words of Hugo, is performed for the first time, at the Casino de Saint-Malo, the composer at the keyboard.
May 9, 1870:
Anton Rubinstein (40) plays at the Paris home of Camille Saint-Saëns (34). An enthusiastic Gabriel Fauré (24) is there too.
August 16, 1870:
Franco-Prussian War: Gabriel Fauré (25) enlists in the First Light Infantry regiment of the Imperial Guard.
September 10, 1870:
Franco-Prussian War: Gabriel Fauré (25) transfers from the First Light Infantry regiment of the Imperial Guard to the 28th Infantry regiment.
September 13, 1870:
Franco-Prussian War: 100,000 soldiers parade before General Trochu in Paris. Among those under arms are Camille Saint-Saëns (34), Georges Bizet (31), Jules Massenet (28), Gabriel Fauré (25), and Henri Duparc (22).
November 30, 1870:
Franco-Prussian War: An attempted French breakout of Paris east toward Champigny fails. Among those fighting is Gabriel Fauré (25).
February 25, 1871:
The Société National de Musique is founded in the Paris home of Henri Duparc by César Franck (48), Camille Saint-Saëns (35), Georges Bizet (32), Jules Massenet (28), Gabriel Fauré (25), Henri Duparc (23), Vincent d’Indy (19), and others. The concerts of the Society are to be limited to living French composers.
March 9, 1871:
Gabriel Fauré (25) is discharged from the French army.
March 19, 1871:
Gabriel Fauré (25) is employed as organist at Saint-Honoré-d’Eylau but will soon be forced to flee the Commune.
August 20, 1871:
A setting of the Ave Maria for male chorus and organ by Gabriel Fauré (26) is performed for the first time, at the Chapel of the Hospice of Saint-Bernard, Switzerland.
May 18, 1872:
Two songs by Gabriel Fauré (27) are performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique: Lydia op.4/2, to words of de Lisle, and Seule! op.3/4 to words of Gautier.
February 8, 1873:
Two songs for voice and piano by Gabriel Fauré (27) to words of Gautier are performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris: Les matelots op.2/2 and La chanson du pêcheur op.4/1. Also on the program is the premiere of the first three movements of Fauré’s Suite d’orchestre in a reduction for two pianos played by Camille Saint-Saëns (37) and the composer, as well as the premiere of Allegro Appassionato op.43 for cello and orchestra by Camille Saint-Saëns. See 16 May 1874.
March 22, 1873:
Two songs for voice and piano by Gabriel Fauré (27) are performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris: Mai op.1/2 to words of Hugo, and Hymne op.7/2 to words of Beaudelaire.
November 22, 1874:
Gabriel Fauré (29) becomes secretary of the Société National de Musique.
December 12, 1874:
Two songs by Gabriel Fauré (29) are performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris: Rêve d’amour op.5/2, to words of Hugo, and Ici bas! op.8/3 to words of Prudhomme.
March 1, 1875:
The secretary of the Société National de Musique, Gabriel Fauré (29), is censured by the society for his “deplorable unpunctuality.”
March 20, 1875:
Barcarolle op.7/3 for solo voice and piano by Gabriel Fauré (29) to words of Monnier is performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris.
April 10, 1875:
Two songs for vocal duet and piano by Gabriel Fauré (29) are performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris: Puisq’ici-bas toute âme op.10/1 to words of Hugo and Tarantelle op.10/2 to words of Monnier.
February 12, 1876:
Dans les ruines d’une abbaye op.2/1, a song for voice and piano by Gabriel Fauré (30) to words of Hugo, is performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris.
April 22, 1876:
Les Djinns op.12 for chorus and orchestra by Gabriel Fauré (30) to words of Hugo is performed for the first time, with piano accompaniment, by the Société National de Musique, Paris. See 27 June 1878.
January 27, 1877:
Violin Sonata no.1 op.13 by Gariel Fauré (31) is performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris, the composer at the keyboard. On the same program is the premiere of an impromptu for piano by Emanuel Chabrier (36), performed by Camille Saint-Saëns (41). The sonata is an instant hit and brings Fauré to fame. “The success of the Sonata this evening exceeded all my hopes!!!”
April 7, 1877:
After the success for the Violin Sonata no.1 in January, Camille Saint-Saëns (41) publishes an article in the Journal de musique praising the rising talent of Gabriel Fauré (31).
April 13, 1877:
This is the approximate date of the appointment of Gabriel Fauré (31) as choirmaster at the Church of the Madeleine, Paris.
May 30, 1877:
An Ave Maria for two sopranos and organ by Gabriel Fauré (32) is performed for the first time, in the Church of the Madeleine, Paris.
December 2, 1877:
Samson et Dalila, an opéra by Camille Saint-Saëns (42) to words of Lemaire, is performed for the first time, in the Weimar Hoftheater, conducted by Franz Liszt (66). Gabriel Fauré (32), in town for the premiere, meets Liszt for the first time. Fauré will later write, “being at that first performance was one of the greatest pleasures and one of the most moving experiences of my life.”
January 19, 1878:
Au Bord de l’eau op.8/1 for voice and piano by Gabriel Fauré (32) to words of Sully-Prudhomme is performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris.
June 27, 1878:
Les Djinns op.12 for chorus and orchestra by Gabriel Fauré (33) to words of Hugo is performed for the first time with orchestral accompaniment, by the Société National de Musique, Paris. See 22 April 1876.
January 11, 1879:
Two songs for voice and piano by Gabriel Fauré (33) are performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris: Après un rêve op.7/1 to anonymous words translated by Bussine, and Sylvie op.6/3 to words of de Choudens.
November 16, 1879:
A first contract is signed between Gabriel Fauré (34) and the publisher Julien Hamelle, in Paris.
February 6, 1880:
Gabriel Fauré (34) joins the Société des auteurs, éditeurs et compositeurs de musique (SACEM).
February 14, 1880:
Two chamber works by Gabriel Fauré (34) are performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris: Piano Quartet no.1 op.15 and Berceuse op.16 for violin and piano, along with the premiere of Fauré’s Concerto for violin and orchestra op.14.
June 21, 1880:
Elégie for cello and piano by Gabriel Fauré (35) is performed for the first time, in a private performance at the home of Camille Saint-Saëns (44), Paris, the composer at the keyboard. See 15 December 1883 and 23 January 1902.
January 22, 1881:
Poème d’un jour op.21, a song for voice and piano by Gabriel Fauré (35) to words of Grandmougin, is performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris.
January 29, 1881:
Two songs for voice and piano by Gabriel Fauré (35) are performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris: Nell op.18/1 to words of de Lisle, and Automne op.18/3 to words of Silvestre.
February 25, 1881:
The first two of the Trois romances sans paroles op.17 for piano by Gabriel Fauré (35) are performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris. See 19 January 1889.
April 23, 1881:
Ballade for piano and orchestra op.19 by Gabriel Fauré (35) is performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris, the composer at the keyboard.
May 7, 1881:
Le Voyageur op.18/2 for voice and piano by Gabriel Fauré (35) to words of Silvestre is performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris.
September 4, 1881:
The Messe des pêcheurs de Villerville (Messe basse) by Gabriel Fauré (36) is performed for the first time, in the church of Villerville, Calvados, across the mouth of the Seine from Le Havre. See 10 September 1882.
January 14, 1882:
Le Ruisseau op.22 for female chorus and piano by Gabriel Fauré (36) to anonymous words is performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris.
September 10, 1882:
The second version of Messe basse for female chorus, solo voices, and orchestra by Gabriel Fauré (37) is performed for the first time, at the village church of Villerville, Calvados. See 4 September 1881.
December 9, 1882:
Four works by Gabriel Fauré (37) are performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris: Les Berceaux op.23/1, a song for voice and piano to words of Sully-Prudhomme, Chanson d’amour op.27/1 for voice and piano to words of Silvestre, and two piano works, Barcarolle no.1 op.26 and Impromptu no.1 op.25. At the keyboard for the last two is Camille Saint-Saëns (47).
January 6, 1883:
Two songs by Gabriel Fauré (37) are performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris: Chant d’automne op.5/1 to words of Beaudelaire, and Le Secret op.23/3 to words of Silvestre.
February 3, 1883:
Romance for violin and piano op.28 by Gabriel Fauré (37) is performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris.
March 27, 1883:
Gabriel Fauré (37) marries Marie Fremiet, daughter of a sculptor, in the town hall of the 16th arrondissement, Paris.
December 15, 1883:
Elégie op.24 for cello and piano by Gabriel Fauré (38) is performed publicly for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris. On the same program, Trois valses romantiques for two pianos by Emanuel Chabrier (42) is performed for the first time, the composer at one keyboard. See 21 June 1880 and 23 January 1902.
January 12, 1884:
Madrigal op.35 for vocal quartet and piano by Gabriel Fauré (38) to words of Silvestre, is performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris. Also premiered are two excerpts from César Franck’s (51) unperformed opera Hulda, played on piano. See 17 April 1884 and 8 March 1894.
April 5, 1884:
Quartet for piano and strings no.1 op.15 by Gabriel Fauré (38) is performed for the first time with a new finale, by the Société National de Musique, Paris, the composer at the keyboard. See 14 February 1880.
December 13, 1884:
Two songs for voice and piano by Gabriel Fauré (39) to words of Silvestre are performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris: Aurore op.39/1 and Fleur jetée op.39/2.
December 27, 1884:
Two songs for voice and piano by Gabriel Fauré (39) are performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris: Le Pays des rêves op.39/3 to words of Silvestre, and Les Roses d’Ispahan op.39/4 to words of de Lisle.
January 10, 1885:
Impromptus nos.2&3 opp.31&34 for piano by Gabriel Fauré (39) are performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris, Camille Saint-Saëns (49) at the piano.
February 21, 1885:
Nocturne no.1 op.33/1 for piano by Gabriel Fauré (39) is performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris.
March 15, 1885:
Three works are performed for the first time by the Société National de Musique in the Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris: Les Djinns, a symphonic poem by César Franck (62), Symphony no.2 op.40 by Gabriel Fauré (39), and La sulamite, a scène lyrique for mezzo-soprano, female chorus, and orchestra by Emanuel Chabrier (44) to words of Richepin.
January 23, 1886:
Two works for solo piano by Gabriel Fauré (40) are performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris: Mazurka op.32 and Nocturne no.3 op.33/3.
April 3, 1886:
La naissance de Venus for solo voices, chorus, and orchestra by Gabriel Fauré (40) to words of Collin is performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, at the Salle Pleyel, Paris. Also on the program is the premiere of the Polonaise op.77 for two pianos by Camille Saint-Saëns (50) played by the composer and Fauré. See 8 March 1883.
November 21, 1886:
Romain Bussine and Camille Saint-Saëns (51) resign from the Société national de musique when the committee agrees to Vincent d’Indy’s motion to allow old and foreign music. Within a week, César Franck (63) will become president, Vincent d’Indy (35) and Ernest Chausson (31) secretaries, and Gabriel Fauré (41) treasurer.
January 22, 1887:
Quartet for piano and strings no.2 op.45 by Gabriel Fauré (41) is performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris the composer at the keyboard.
February 19, 1887:
Barcarolle no.2 op.41 for piano by Gabriel Fauré (41) is performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris.
May 3, 1887:
Music of Richard Wagner (†4) is staged in Paris for the first time since his death with a production of Lohengrin at the Eden-Théâtre. Among the audience are Gabriel Fauré (41), Ernest Chausson (32), and Claude Debussy (24). Conductor Charles Lamoreux has been publicly accused of being a German agent. A riot takes place outside the theatre with several hefty projectiles thrown at the building, breaking windows. Numerous arrests ensue.
November 21, 1887:
O Salutaris for solo voice and organ by Gabriel Fauré (42) is performed for the first time, in the Church of the Madeleine.
January 16, 1888:
The five finished movements of the Requiem op.48 for chorus, boy soprano, harp, timpani, organ, solo violin, and strings by Gabriel Fauré (42) are performed for the first time, in the Church of the Madeleine, during a mass for M. Joseph Le Soufaché conducted by the composer. See 28 January 1892, 21 January 1893 and 12 July 1900.
April 28, 1888:
Two works by Gabriel Fauré (42) are performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris: Pavane op.50 for orchestra and chorus, and Clair de lune op.46/2 for voice and piano to words of Verlaine.
May 12, 1888:
Prélude, aria et final for piano by César Franck (65) is performed for the first time, in the Salle Pleyel, Paris. In the same concert, La fée aux chansons op.27/2 for voice and piano by Gabriel Fauré to words of Silvestre is performed for the first time, on the composer’s 43rd birthday.
November 8, 1888:
Incidental music to Dumas’ play Caligula by Gabriel Fauré (43) is performed for the first time, in the Théâtre de l’Odéon, Paris conducted by the composer.
December 25, 1888:
Il est né le divin enfant for children’s choir and instruments by Gabriel Fauré (43) is performed for the first time, in the Church of the Madeleine, Paris.
January 19, 1889:
Two works for two voices and orchestra by César Franck (66) to words of Daudet are performed for the first time, in the Salle Pleyel, Paris: Aux petits enfants and La Vierge à la Crèche. Also premiered is the third of the Trois romances sans paroles op.17 for piano by Gabriel Fauré (43). See 25 February 1881.
February 2, 1889:
Au cimitière op.51/2 for voice and piano by Gabriel Fauré (43) to words of Richepin is performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris. At the same concert, two of the Ariettes for voice and piano by Claude Debussy (26) to words of Verlaine are performed for the first time.
February 16, 1889:
Valse-Caprice no.2 op.38 for piano by Gabriel Fauré (43) is performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris.
December 17, 1889:
Incidental music to Haraucourt’s (after Shakespeare) play Shylock by Gabriel Fauré (44) is performed for the first time, in the Théâtre de l’Odéon, Paris, conducted by the composer. The play is successful but critics are not impressed by the music.
April 21, 1890:
Incidental music to Haraucourt’s play La Passion by Gabriel Fauré (44) is performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique in the Salle Erard, Paris. The Fantaisie for piano and orchestra by Claude Debussy (27) is programmed for this concert but after the dress rehearsal, the conductor, Vincent d’Indy (39), believing the concert to be too long, plans to perform only one movement. Debussy does not agree to this, and, although he respects d’Indy, removes the orchestral parts from the stands.
November 10, 1890:
After a memorial service in the Church of Sainte-Clotilde, the earthly remains of César Franck are laid to rest in the Cimitière de Montparnasse, Paris. The oration is made by Emanuel Chabrier (49). Édouard Lalo (67), Camille Saint-Saëns (55), Léo Delibes (54), Gabriel Fauré (45), and Charles-Marie Widor are also present but many other prominent musicians do not attend.
December 28, 1890:
En prière, a canticle for voice and organ by Gabriel Fauré (45) to words of Bordèse, is performed for the first time, in Paris.
January 22, 1891:
A setting of Tantum ergo op.55 for tenor, chorus, harp, and organ by Gabriel Fauré (45) is performed for the first time, in St. Gervais.
January 28, 1892:
The Libera me from the second version of Gabriel Fauré’s (46) setting of the Requiem is performed for the first time, in the church of Saint-Gervais, Paris. See 16 January 1888, 21 January 1893, and 12 July 1900.
April 2, 1892:
Cinq mélodies “de Venise” op.58 for voice and piano by Gabriel Fauré (46) to words of Verlaine, is performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris.
June 1, 1892:
Gabriel Fauré (47) is appointed inspector of music in the provincial conservatories.
January 21, 1893:
The second version of the Requiem by Gabriel Fauré (47) is performed for the first time, in the Church of the Madeleine, Paris. See 16 January 1888, 28 January 1892, and 12 July 1900.
October 27, 1893:
After a state funeral in the Church of the Madeleine, where the organ is played by Gabriel Fauré (48) the earthly remains of Charles Gounod are laid to rest in the family vault in Auteuil Cemetery.
April 12, 1894:
Hymne à Apollon for voice, harp, flute, and two clarinets by Gabriel Fauré (48) to an ancient Greek text, is performed for the first time, in the École des Beaux-Arts, Paris.
April 25, 1894:
La bonne chanson, a song cycle for voice and piano by Gabriel Fauré (48) to words of Verlaine, is performed for the first time, at the home of Madeleine Lamaire, Paris the composer at the keyboard. See 20 April 1895.
November 14, 1894:
Romance for cello and piano op.69 by Gabriel Fauré (49) is performed for the first time, in Geneva.
April 20, 1895:
La bonne chanson, a cycle for voice and piano by Gabriel Fauré (49) to words of Verlaine, is performed publicly for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris, the composer at the keyboard. See 25 April 1894.
January 10, 1896:
Gabriel Fauré (50) plays the organ at the funeral for Paul Verlaine in Paris.
April 29, 1896:
In London, John Singer Sargent draws a portrait of Gabriel Fauré (50).
May 1, 1896:
Pleurs d’or for two solo voices and piano op.72 by Gabriel Fauré (50) to words of Semain is performed for the first time, in St. James’ Hall, London.
May 2, 1896:
Two piano works by Gabriel Fauré (50) are performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris: Valse-caprice no.4 op.62 and Barcarolle no.5 op.66.
June 2, 1896:
Gabriel Fauré (51) becomes chief organist at the Church of the Madeleine.
December 10, 1896:
Thème et variations for piano op.73 by Gabriel Fauré (51) is performed for the first time, in St. James’ Hall, London.
April 3, 1897:
Two works by Gabriel Fauré (51) are performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris: Barcarolle no.6 op.70 for piano, and Prison op.83 for voice and piano to words of Verlaine. On the same program, two works by Ernest Chausson (42) are performed for the first time: Serres chaudes op.24 for voice and piano to words of Maeterlinck, and Quelques danses op.26 for piano.
November 4, 1897:
Le parfum impérissable op.76/1, a song for voice and piano by Gabriel Fauré (52) to words of de Lisle, is performed for the first time, in Paris.
January 22, 1898:
Andante op.75 for violin and piano by Gabriel Fauré (52) is performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris.
April 16, 1898:
Sicilienne op.78 for cello and piano by Gabriel Fauré (52) is performed for the first time.
April 30, 1898:
Two works by Gabriel Fauré (52) are performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris: Dolly op.56 for piano-four hands, and Arpège op.76/2 for voice and piano to words of Samain. See 6 December 1906 and 9 January 1913.
June 21, 1898:
Incidental music to Maeterlinck’s (tr. by Mackail) play Pelléas et Mélisande by Gabriel Fauré (53) is performed for the first time, in the Prince of Wales Theatre, London, conducted by the composer. The music includes an orchestration of the Sicilienne op.78 for cello and piano. This production is very successful, both with the audience and critics. See 16 April 1898.
July 28, 1898:
Two works by Gabriel Fauré (53) for flute and piano are performed for the first time, at the Paris Conservatoire: Fantaisie op.79 and Morceau de lecture.
October 5, 1898:
Ernst Bloch (18) enters the orchestra of Eugene Ysaÿe in Brussels as a violinist. At today’s first rehearsal he is so nervous that he puts soap on his bow so that no one will hear the mistakes. Eventually, Bloch will become acquainted with many members of the Ysaÿe circle, including Claude Debussy (36), Camille Saint-Saëns (62), and Gabriel Fauré (53).
October 5, 1898:
Caractacus, a cantata by Edward Elgar (41) to words of Acworth, is performed for the first time, in Leeds, conducted by the composer. The audience gives overwhelming support, the press is “polite” but mixed. Afterwards, Elgar first makes the acquaintance of Hubert Parry (50). Gabriel Fauré (53) and Charles Villiers Stanford (46) are also in the audience.
June 15, 1899:
A funeral service in memory of Ernest Chausson held in St. François-de-Sales, Paris is attended by hundreds of artists, among them Gabriel Fauré (54), Henri Duparc (51), Isaac Albéniz (39), Claude Debussy (36), Paul Dukas (33), Charles Koechlin (31), Edgar Degas, and Auguste Rodin. His mortal remains are laid to rest in Père Lachaise Cemetery, Paris.
July 12, 1900:
The third version of the Requiem op.48 by Gabriel Fauré (55) for solo voices, chorus, and orchestra, is performed for the first time, at the Trocadéro, Paris. See 16 January 1888, 28 January 1892, and 21 January 1893.
August 26, 1900:
As the premiere of Prométhée by Gabriel Fauré (55) is about to begin in Béziers, the set, in the form of a Greek outdoor amphitheater, is virtually destroyed by a thunderstorm. A lightning bolt strikes the spot where Prometheus is to steal the fire. Fauré, the musicians, actors, dancers, and 9,000 patrons are drenched. After a round-the-clock effort, the premiere will proceed successfully tomorrow.
August 27, 1900:
The tragédie lyrique Prométhée op.82, with words by Lorrain and Hérold and music by Gabriel Fauré (55), is performed for the first time, at Arènes de Béziers. The performance is less than perfect but the audience is very appreciative.
February 3, 1901:
A suite from Pelléas et Mélisande by Gabriel Fauré (55) is performed for the first time, in Paris. See 21 June 1898.
March 20, 1901:
The Nocturne no.7, op.74 for piano, by Gabriel Fauré (55) is performed for the first time, at the Société National de Musique, Paris.
November 4, 1901:
Incidental music to Clemenceau’s play Le voile du bonheur op.88 by Gabriel Fauré (56) is performed for the first time, at the Théâtre de la Renaissance, Paris.
January 23, 1902:
Elégie, for cello and orchestra by Gabriel Fauré (56), is performed for the first time, in Monaco. See 21 June 1880 and 15 December 1883.
March 2, 1903:
Gabriel Fauré (57) begins his duties as music critic of Le Figaro, a post he will hold until 1921.
April 5, 1903:
Gabriel Fauré (57) is created an Officier de la Légion d’honneur.
April 18, 1903:
Four of the Huit Pièces brèves op.84 for piano by Gabriel Fauré (57) are performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris.
November 14, 1904:
Tantum ergo, for soprano, chorus, and organ by Gabriel Fauré (59), is performed for the first time, at the Madeleine, Paris.
January 7, 1905:
An Impromptu for harp op.86 by Gabriel Fauré (59) is performed for the first time, at the Paris Conservatoire.
June 13, 1905:
Gabriel Fauré (60) is appointed director of the Paris Conservatoire, to take effect 1 October. This official announcement will come in two days.
July 11, 1905:
Gabriel Fauré (60) signs a contract with the publisher Henri Heugel to produce thirty compositions between 1 January 1906 and 1 January 1909.
August 7, 1905:
Incidental music for Shakespeare’s (tr. F.-V. Hugo) play Jules César by Gabriel Fauré (60) is performed for the first time, in the Théâtre antique d’Orange, Paris.
October 1, 1905:
Gabriel Fauré (60) takes up duties as director of the Paris Conservatoire. On the same day, he plays for the last time on the organ of the Madeleine.
January 28, 1906:
Cantique de Jean Racine op.11 for mixed chorus and orchestra by Gabriel Fauré (60) is performed for the first time, at the Paris Conservatoire. See 4 August 1866.
February 3, 1906:
Gabriel Fauré’s (60) Barcarolle no.7 for piano op.90 is performed for the first time, in the Salle Erard, Paris.
March 23, 1906:
Gabriel Fauré’s (60) Piano Quintet no.1 op.89 is performed for the first time, at the Cercle Artistique, Brussels. The piano part is performed by the composer.
December 6, 1906:
Dolly, suite for orchestra op.56 by Gabriel Fauré (61), is performed for the first time, in Monaco. See 30 April 1898 and 9 January 1913.
December 27, 1906:
A setting of Psalm 47 for orchestra, chorus, and organ by Florent Schmitt (36) is performed for the first time, in Paris. Jules Massenet (64) and Gabriel Fauré (61) are in the audience. The work is a great success but Schmitt is so shy he can not be persuaded from his box to take a bow.
January 12, 1907:
Histoires naturelles, a song cycle by Maurice Ravel (31) to words of Renard, is performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris, the composer at the keyboard. During the performance, some in the audience find it necessary to express their displeasure by emitting animal noises. The same program sees the first performance of Impromptu no.4 op.91 and Barcarolle no.8 op.96 for piano by Gabriel Fauré (61).
March 12, 1907:
Le Don Silencieux op.92, a song by Gabriel Fauré (61) to words of J. Dominique (pseud. of Marie Closset), is performed for the first time, in La Libre esthétique, Brussels, the composer at the piano.
February 3, 1908:
Three selections from the song cycle La Chanson d’Eve op.45 by Gabriel Fauré (62) to words of Van Lerberghe, are performed for the first time, at Salle des agriculteurs, Paris the composer at the piano. See 26 May 1909 and 20 April 1910.
March 23, 1908:
Gabriel Fauré (62) accompanies American vocalist Susan Metcalfe in a recital of his songs before Great Britain’s Queen Alexandra and Russian Empress Maria Fyodorovna, at Buckingham Palace.
March 13, 1909:
Gabriel Fauré (63) is elected a member of the Institute in the Academy of Fine Arts.
March 30, 1909:
Two piano pieces by Gabriel Fauré (63), Barcarolle no.9 op.101 and Impromptu no.5 op.102, are performed for the first time, at the Salle Erard, Paris.
May 26, 1909:
Seven selections from Gabriel Fauré’s (64) song cycle La chanson d’Eve op.95, to words of van Leberghe, are performed, four of them for the first time, at the Salle Erard, Paris, the composer at the piano. See 3 February 1908 and 20 April 1910.
June 6, 1909:
The body of Isaac Albéniz is born by a horse-drawn hearse from the estació de França through the streets of Barcelona. It is attended by a military band playing excerpts from Götterdämmerung, the Requiem of Gabriel Fauré (64), and the Funeral March of Frédéric Chopin (†49), and a multitude of people including many city and Catalonian officials. At the Cementiri del Sud-Oest (Cementiri de Montjuïc), the mayor and the composer’s son speak, and the remains are laid to rest.
April 20, 1910:
At the inaugural concert of the Société Musical Indépendente at the Salle Gaveau, the song cycle La Chanson d’Eve op.95 by the society’s president Gabriel Fauré (64) to words of van Lerberghe, is given its first complete performance, the composer at the piano. Other premieres heard on this occasion are Ma mère l’oye by the force behind the new society, Maurice Ravel (35) for piano four hands, performed by two pianists aged six and ten, and Claude Debussy’s (47) D’un cahier d’esquisses, performed by Maurice Ravel at the keyboard. See 3 February 1908, 26 May 1909, and 29 January 1912.
May 17, 1910:
Gabriel Fauré’s (65) Preludes nos.1-3, op.103/1-3, are performed for the first time, by the Société Musical Indépendante, Paris.
May 16, 1911:
Gabriel Fauré’s (66) scène biblique Rébecca, to words of Collin, is performed for the first time in an orchestral setting, at the Salle Gaveau, Paris. See 15 March 1881.
January 9, 1913:
A ballet produced to Gabriel Fauré’s (67) Dolly op.56 is performed for the first time, at the Théâtre des Arts, Paris. See 30 April 1898 and 6 December 1906.
March 4, 1913:
Gabriel Fauré’s (67) drame lyrique Pénélope, to words of Fauchois, is performed for the first time, in Monaco.
July 29, 1914:
Gabriel Fauré (69) writes to his wife from Ems, Germany that the political situation is “very grave” and he has decided to return home.
August 3, 1914:
Gabriel Fauré (69) writes to his wife from Geneva that “I have just spent three appalling days with my blasted luggage.” Traveling home from Ems he found the French border closed so he has taken a circuitous route through Switzerland. Trains in all three countries are being used for mobilization.
August 7, 1914:
Still stuck in Geneva, Gabriel Fauré (69) writes to his wife that “here, as in almost the whole of Switzerland, public morale is excellent and very much on our side.”
September 23, 1914:
Nadia (27) and Lili (21) Boulanger write to several prominent musicians asking them to become honorary committee members of their Comité Franco-Américain du Conservatoire National de Musique et de Déclamation. This is an organization funded by the American architect Whitney Warren to give aid and support to French soldiers. All of those contacted (including Gabriel Fauré (69) and Gustave Charpentier (54)), except Camille Saint-Saëns (78), give their enthusiastic support.
January 28, 1915:
Le Jardin clos op.106, a song cycle by Gabriel Fauré (69) to words of van Lerberghe, is performed for the first time, in Paris. The composition of this work was interrupted when the composer, sojourning in Germany on 3 August 1914, suddenly found himself in enemy territory.
November 23, 1916:
Two piano works by Gabriel Fauré (71), the Barcarolle no.12 op.106 and the Nocturne no.12 op.107, are performed for the first time, at the Concerts Durand, Paris. Also on the program is the premiere of Elégie op.143 for violin and piano by Camille Saint-Saëns (81), the composer at the keyboard.
November 10, 1917:
Violin Sonata no.2 op.108 by Gabriel Fauré (72) is performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris.
January 19, 1918:
Cello Sonata no.1 op.109 by Gabriel Fauré (72) is performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris.
November 30, 1918:
Une châtelaine en sa tour op.110 for harp by Gabriel Fauré (73) is performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris.
March 14, 1919:
The Ballade for piano and orchestra by Gabriel Fauré (73) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
April 10, 1919:
The comédie musicale Masques et bergamasques by Gabriel Fauré (73), to words of Fauchois, is performed for the first time, in Monaco. See 16 November 1919.
April 12, 1919:
The Fantaisie op.111 for piano and orchestra by Gabriel Fauré (73) is performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris.
September 26, 1919:
Gabriel Fauré (73) is granted a one-year renewal as director of the Paris Conservatoire, with the understanding that it is time for him to go. He is going deaf.
November 16, 1919:
The suite from Gabriel Fauré’s (74) comedie musicale Masques et Bergamasques op.112 is performed for the first time, at the Paris Conservatoire.
December 27, 1919:
Gabriel Fauré’s (74) song cycle Mirages op.113 to words of de Brimont is performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris, the composer at the piano. It is Fauré’s last performance with the SNM.
April 26, 1920:
Gabriel Fauré (74) is made a Grand Officier de la Légion d’honneur.
July 30, 1920:
Gabriel Fauré (75) informs Camille Saint-Saëns (84) that he intends to resign as director of the Paris Conservatoire.
October 1, 1920:
Gabriel Fauré (75) resigns as director of the Paris Conservatoire because he is going deaf.
May 5, 1921:
Chant funéraire, an orchestral work by Gabriel Fauré (75), is performed for the first time, on the occasion of the centennial of the death of Napoléon I, at Les Invalides, Paris.
May 21, 1921:
Piano Quintet no.2 op.115 by Gabriel Fauré (76) is performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris.
June 9, 1921:
Gabriel Fauré (76) contributes his last review to Le Figaro, of a production of Berlioz’ (†52) Les Troyens. He has contributed criticism to Le Figaro since 1903.
December 24, 1921:
A funeral mass is celebrated in the Madeleine, Paris to the memory of Camille Saint-Saëns. Two battalions of soldiers are called out to hold back the crowds. The Archbishop of Paris officiates and the music is by Charles Gounod (†28), Gabriel Fauré (76), and Saint-Saëns. The body is transported to Montparnasse Cemetery where, after orations, it is laid to rest.
May 13, 1922:
L’Horizon chimérique op.118, a song cycle to words of de la Ville de Mirmont, and the Cello Sonata no.2 op.117, both by Gabriel Fauré (77), are performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris, in the presence of President Étienne Millerand.
June 20, 1922:
In an attempt to alleviate his financial straits, a national tribute takes place in honor of Gabriel Fauré (77) at the Sorbonne, in the presence of President Étienne Alexandre Millerand. With most of the important musicians in Paris performing his music, the composer sits in the place of honor next to the President.
January 31, 1923:
Gabriel Fauré (77) receives the Grand Croix de la Légion d’honneur.
April 28, 1923:
Two piano works by Gabriel Fauré (77) are performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris: Barcarolle no.13 op.116 and Nocturne no.13 op.120.
May 12, 1923:
Piano Trio op.120 by Gabriel Fauré is performed for the first time, by the Société National de Musique, Paris, on the occasion of the composer’s 78th birthday.
September 19, 1924:
After finishing his String Quartet at Annecy, Gabriel Fauré (79) is forced to bed with double pneumonia.
October 18, 1924:
After his pneumonia grows worse, Gabriel Fauré (79) is moved by train from Annecy to Paris to spend his last days at home.
November 4, 1924:
01:50 Gabriel Urbain Fauré dies of pneumonia at his home at 32 rue de Vigne, Paris, Republic of France, aged 79 years, five months, and 23 days.
November 8, 1924:
A state funeral for Gabriel Fauré takes place in the Madeleine, Paris. The eulogy is delivered by Nadia Boulanger (37). His Requiem is performed, after which, the mortal remains are laid to rest in Passy Cemetery.
January 4, 1925:
Après un rêve op.7/1 for voice and orchestra by Gabriel Fauré (†0), to words of Bussine, is performed for the first time, at the Théâtre de Châtelet, Paris, at least 47 years after it was composed.
June 12, 1925:
String Quartet op.121 by Gabriel Fauré (†0) is performed for the first time, at the Paris Conservatoire.
January 31, 1961:
Variations on the Name of Gabriel Fauré (†36) for harp and strings by Arnold Bax (†7) is performed for the first time, over the airwaves of BBC Third Programme.
July 25, 1974:
Intermèdes symphonique for two pianos by Gabriel Fauré (†49) is performed for the first time, in Béziers, 105 years after it was composed.
November 15, 1974:
Three works for piano by Gabriel Fauré (†50) are performed for the first time, 105 years after they were composed, over the airwaves of Paris Radio: Gavotte in c# minor, Fugue in e minor op.84/6, and a Prelude in e minor.
October 9, 1992:
Suite on the Name Gabriel Fauré for piano by Arnold Bax (†39) is performed for the first time, in Église Saint Pierre, Paris, 47 years after it was composed.