Faure's 'Requiem' re-examined: A study of the work's genesis, influences, and influence

Gabriel Faure's Requiem, op. 48 is the most famous work of his oeuvre and the most frequently performed French requiem. Although it has become a much beloved member of the canon of requiem settings, our understanding of this work has been often oversimplified by taking the 1900/1901 Hamelle publication of Requiem at face value and by our lack of knowledge of the influence Faure's church music background had upon the work. The first chapter lays the foundation for this study including a brief biography of the composer and a scholarship overview. Chapter 2 builds on the work of other scholars and outlines the evolution of the work from its sketches (dating as early as 1877) and early performances to the "official" premiere in 1900. It condenses information on major performing editions in one place, including reconstructions of a "Chamber" or "1893" version. Chapter 3 defines two requiem "traditions"---the conservative one within the church and the progressive one developing later in the concert hall. It discusses the co-existence of tradition and innovation within Opus 48, describing the influences of Faure's education and employment in church music and the influences of the growing canon of requiem settings upon his Requiem. Chapter 4 examines the influence of Faure and his Requiem upon future composers. Although Faure may not seem progressive today, his work opened the door for future composers, and his choice of texts for the Requiem in particular influenced future settings. The final chapter will summarize the major points of this study.