Gabriel Urbain Fauré ： 3 Songs without Words No.2 in a-moll Op.17-2

This song without words is marked by a shadowed melody in A minor and Fauré’s delicate harmonic sensitivity. The vocal-like main melody maintains a quiet emotional quality while being supported by a flowing accompaniment, and the changing harmonies give the music depth. The piece unfolds as though developing a single song with care, as changes in dynamics and register alternate between tension and repose. In performance, it is important to keep the main melody from being buried in the accompaniment and to shape the accompaniment lightly and softly. Use the pedal sparingly to avoid blurring the sound, and bring out the expression contained within the restraint by attending to the phrasing and the subtle colors of the chords.