Gabriel Urbain Fauré ： Barcarolle No.5 in fis-moll Op.66

Above an accompaniment that suggests the gentle, swaying motion of a barcarolle, long-breathed melodies unfold amid subtle harmonic changes. Beneath its calm flow lies a sense of inner tension, while the presentation of the main material and the contrasting changes of character shape the piece. One of its highlights is the way the melody gradually deepens in expression as it remains enveloped by the accompaniment, along with the constantly shifting sonorities. In performance, the left hand should not become too heavy; it is important to preserve the motion of the waves while allowing the right-hand melody to sing with softness. Careful attention to the inner voices and discreet pedaling that avoids harmonic blurring will bring out the transparent, delicate sway of the music.