Berceuse (Fauré)

He set the pattern followed by Liszt and others in their berceuses: compound time, a soft dynamic level, a tonic pedal bass and a "rocking" accompaniment.

His first violin sonata had been performed with great success at the Société Nationale de Musique in 1877, and his Berceuse was premiered there on 14 February 1880 by the violinist Ovide Musin with the composer at the piano.

[2] The Fauré specialist Jean-Michel Nectoux comments that although the composer "attached no importance to this conventional little piece", it was taken up by violinists "from international soloists to café serenaders with an enthusiasm that bordered on mania".

Nectoux comments that the unexpected popularity of the piece had one unfortunate consequence and one beneficial one: it led some to dub Fauré a "salon composer", but it attracted the attention of the publisher Julien Hamelle.

[3] In its original form, for violin con sordino (or optionally cello) and piano, the Berceuse, marked Allegretto moderato, is in D major throughout its 112-bar duration.