Il est né le divin enfant is a popular, traditional Christmas carol in France. In the version with instrumental accompaniment written for Christmas 1888 (not compatible with the purely organ version), Fauré contrasts the unison chorus with a tuneful bass group of cellos and double bass as a melodious counterpart. This is also joined by an arpeggiated harp part and an oboe which adds pastoral color.
Also available for choir and organ (CV 40.754/40).
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Composer
Gabriel Fauré
| 1845-1924French composer, 1845-1924.
He was a pupil of Camille Saint-Saëns and studied at the Paris School of Sacred Music. Fauré worked as an organist and choirmaster and gave piano lessons and recitals in Parisian salons. He was able to improvise brilliantly on the piano, which is also reflected in his compositions. He was director of the Paris Conservatoire from 1905 to 1920.
Fauré mainly wrote vocal, piano and chamber music. He is best known for his piano songs for solo voice and his Requiem, which was also performed at his own funeral service.
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