Masques et Bergamasques: Suite, Op. 112 Cover Image

Masques et Bergamasques: Suite, Op. 112: Full Orchestra, Conductor Score

$40.00 USD

Masques et Bergamasques: Suite, Op. 112: Full Orchestra, Conductor Score

Name: Masques et Bergamasques: Suite, Op. 112: Full Orchestra, Conductor Score
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 36-A804201
Price: 40.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Gabriel-Urbain Faure

Item: 36-A804201

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MASQUES ET BERGAMASQUES: SUITE, OP. 112, was arranged by Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) from incidental music he wrote on commission by Albert I, Prince of Monaco for a theatrical work in 1919. The title takes its name from the opening lines of the poem Clair de lune by Paul Verlaine, which forms the narrative basis for the production. It proved so successful that the Opéra-Comique in Paris saw over 100 performances over a thirty year period. The suite features four out of eight numbers from the original score. Instrumentation: 2.2.2.2: 2.2.0.0: Timp: Hp: Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set).

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Series: Kalmus Orchestra Library

Publisher: Keiser Productions, Inc.

ISBN10: 8-89-563128-5

ISBN13: 979-8-89-563128-7

UPC: 659859038865

SKU: 36-A804201

Instrumentation: 2.2.2.2: 2.2.0.0: Timp: Hp: Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set)

More about this title

About the Composer: Gabriel-Urbain Faure

Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) stands as one of France's most refined and influential composers, shaping the transition from Romanticism toward twentieth-century modernism through his mastery of melody, harmonic innovation, and chamber music. His career spanned from his early years as organist at the Madeleine in Paris through his directorship of the Paris Conservatoire, during which he mentored generations of French composers and musicians. Fauré excelled across all genres—art songs, chamber works, orchestral suites, and choral music—yet his output remained remarkably selective and carefully crafted, reflecting his belief in quality over prolific output.

His theatrical commissions, though fewer than his concert works, reveal a gift for writing accessible, dramatically coherent music that served the stage without sacrificing artistic integrity. Masques et Bergamasques exemplifies this balance: commissioned for a Monaco court production, it captured audiences through its elegant orchestration and memorable thematic writing. Today, his music remains central to French repertoire and offers orchestras a bridge between the lyrical tradition of Brahms and the impressionistic textures that defined his era.

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Why we love this

This suite strikes the rare balance between being genuinely sophisticated and immediately rewarding for both orchestra and audience. Fauré's orchestration is transparent and elegant rather than thick or showy, allowing each section to shine without overwhelming the texture, and the melodic writing is so natural that it feels inevitable even on first hearing. Programming it signals a commitment to French repertoire that deepens any season and complements both early Romantic and twentieth-century works.

What to expect

Masques et Bergamasques evokes an elegant evening in a Parisian salon or moonlit garden gathering. The music flows between moments of intimate lyricism and gentle drama, with a sophisticated harmonic language that never loses its melodic warmth. There is brightness in the orchestration and a sense of refinement throughout, yet nothing feels austere or cold.

Who it's for

Orchestras with intermediate to advanced string sections and solid woodwind players who can project clear, lyrical lines. Conductors seeking French repertoire that develops musicianship in phrasing, orchestral balance, and harmonic listening without extreme technical demands.

How to get the most out of it

Balance the strings' sustained lines against the woodwinds' solos; Fauré's orchestration depends on clarity of line rather than blended masses of sound.
Shape each phrase with forward motion through the metric pulse without rushing. The music's elegance lives in its restraint and phrasing architecture.
Pay particular attention to intonation in the string passages where the harmony shifts; Fauré's chromatic voice-leading requires clean articulation and secure tuning.
Use the harp not as a coloristic effect but as a structural voice that supports harmonic progression and dialogue between sections.

How to use it

This suite works beautifully as a standalone concert opener or as the centerpiece of a French music theme. It pairs well with other works from the early twentieth century or earlier Romantic repertoire, and its modest orchestration makes it an excellent choice for concert seasons that include Baroque or Classical works. Consider programming it as the gateway to Fauré's larger orchestral output.