Fauré, Barcarolle No. 6 in E-flat played by Albert Ferber

Fauré's Barcarolle No. 6 in E-flat. Op. 70 dates from 1896. In later life, Albert Ferber (1911-1987) acquired a reputation for his sensitive playing of Fauré's music, regularly attracting very favourable notices. He released two LPs of the composer's piano music and this recording comes from the first of these which was issued in 1974.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Faure
• Barcarolle No. 6
• Albert Ferber
• paulprocopolis

[gnw1944]

Thank you for introducing me to this very-fine pianist !! I'd never HEARD of him, previously !! Yet, how fast DOES a gondola move ??

[paulprocopolis]

@gnw1944 I'm glad you've discovered him! He was quite well known in the 50s and 60s but since his death in 1987 he's generally slid into oblivion. He was a great colourist and a very sensitive artist but I guess his unflamboyant technique, in an age when speed and strength were key, gradually pushed him into the sidelines.

[pianopera]

Though Ferber had an amazing tonal palette and beautiful legato, I simply think that his tempo is too slow for an "Allegretto vivo"... I prefer Marguerite Long's scintillating and brilliant version. Lovely pictures btw!

[paulprocopolis]

@pianopera Yes, Ferber's tempo is on the contemplative side which is perhaps not inappropriate for the motion of a barcarolle, despite Faure's tempo heading which, as with all such matters, is open to interpretation. I hugely enjoy Long's performance too and would relish my canal ride with her on a bright sunny morning, but would perhaps go with her pupil in the evening (and please don't misunderstand me ... !)

[WatchBlueSkies]

ok 1979 :-)

[paulprocopolis]

@WatchBlueSkies It was released in 1974. Sorry, Youtube software chopped out half the information that I posted - now restored (permanently I hope!).

[Mezzotenor]

Very nice, and yes, a bit more expansive that other interpretations. But crucially, Feber's tempo allows him to make sense of the quick shifts in harmony, especially toward the end of the middle section. This performance has my vote, though Mme. Long has my utmost respect too.

[hymntonight]

I love Ferber's tempo. Indeed I don't think M. Long comes even close to Ferber's sensitivity and touch.

[JanetteHeffernan]

Makes one feel good to be alive on a cold Auckland evening!

[dodgeballdude27]

Again, such wonderful choice of music and pictures! The overall effect is very nice!

[JanetteHeffernan]

Oh Lovely!

[pianopera]

@paulprocopolis I think there is no misunderstanding - I am quite sure that, whether it is in the morning or in the evening and irrespective of sex, it will be a decent boat ride!