Cantique: Score
Opus 11
Gabriel Fauré / arr. Douglas E. Wagner
Grade: 3
Item: 00-PR-0005609
$10.00
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Description
Fauré's breathtakingly beautiful "Cantique de Jean Racine" is now available in a sumptuous arrangement for string orchestra, simply titled Cantique. The unifying triplet figure and profound harmonic development set the foundation for soaring melodic lines that are shared throughout in various parts. This is music from the heart that will rest calmly and peacefully on audience ears. A perfect choice for contest in showcasing the musical and expressive traits of your ensemble.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Cantique: Score comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
Belwin Concert String Orchestra
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
114
SKU:
00-PR-0005609
More about this title
About the Composer: Gabriel Fauré
Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) stands among France's most refined composers, with a gift for lyrical beauty and harmonic sophistication that shaped European music across four decades. His mastery of melody and intimate orchestration made him a central figure in the transition from Romanticism to Impressionism, and his influence extends through generations of musicians who study his works for their elegant use of space, color, and emotional restraint.
Why we love this
Douglas E. Wagner's arrangement distills the essence of Fauré's sacred original into a string orchestra texture that feels both accessible and musically sophisticated. The triplet figure that unifies the work gives your players a clear rhythmic anchor, while the shared melodic writing ensures every section experiences moments of lyrical prominence, making this a rewarding choice for building ensemble cohesion and expressive maturity.
What to expect
Profound calm and spiritual quiet. The triplet pulse creates a gentle, almost meditative foundation while soaring melodies pass between instruments like a prayer sung from many voices. The harmonic palette glows with warmth and restraint, never demanding but always moving listeners toward reflection.
Who it's for
String orchestras at the Grade 3 level seeking repertoire that develops both technical control and musical sensitivity. Directors preparing for festival or contest programming will appreciate a work that demonstrates ensemble cohesion, intonation control, and the ability to sustain long, expressive lines.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the triplet figure with gentle forward motion rather than rigid precision; allow it to breathe naturally and support the melodic lines above it.
- Balance the harmonic development carefully so that inner voices register clearly; this reveals the richness Fauré embedded in his original orchestration.
- Invest time in phrase-long bowing plans across the ensemble; unified bow direction and release points will amplify the serene, unified character.
How to use it
Cantique functions beautifully as an opening number for a concert or festival appearance, establishing a serene mood that draws audiences inward. It also pairs naturally alongside other Romantic-era or sacred-inspired works, offering a musical anchor that other pieces can orbit around thematically or texturally.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining long melodic lines with consistent tone and dynamic control
- Reading and balancing inner harmonic parts alongside primary melodies
- Ensemble intonation in rich harmonic textures
- Coordinating bow changes and phrase releases across multiple parts
- Interpreting Impressionistic and Romantic harmonic language