Musical works

Composed in the summer of 1898 for the Paris Conservatoire competition and dedicated to Paul Taffanel, the father of the French flute school, Fauré’s Fantaisie has captivated listeners for over a century with its irresistible charm. Upon completing the piece, the composer confided in his colleague Camille Saint-Saëns: “I’ve written the competition piece for flute—Andante cantabile and allegrofolichono—and I don’t recall anything in the world ever giving me such trouble!”

Structured in two contrasting sections, the work showcases Fauré’s signature lyricism from its very first notes. The opening Andantino demands impeccable breath control and phrasing, while the dazzling Allegro that follows provides a brilliant display of the flutist’s virtuosity.