The piece has its origins as a song composed in the key of the key of C minor published in 1878 and is one of the composers most beautiful and popular melodies. This is an excellent piece for developing tonal quality and the melody needs to be played with a singing and expressive legato. A tempo of 56 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute has been used in the realisation which is in the key of D minor. The pianist will need to make use of the sustaining pedal although this is not indicated and the score does require careful study in respect to the reading of the chromatic harmony. Fauré as a pianist and accompanist was very much was regarded as something of a metronome and not considered to be very sympathetic to singers of his songs particularly when they added subtlety and nuance at the end of phrases. It would be beneficial to spend time reading through the lyrics for the song in translation to have a true understanding of the music’s context. For players who would like an additional challenge there is also Percy Grainger arrangement of the song.
