Au bord de l'eau

About the Music
Fauré's interest in choral music was superseded by his love for chanson as evidenced by his output. His fascination for the texts he chose to set is clearly seen in the delicate melodies and subtle harmonies that surround them. Perhaps even more than that of Debussy, Fauré's chansons are in the hands of almost every young man and woman studying voice. They are the epitome of great literature for the young singer. The arranger set "Au Bord de L'eau$quot with this concept in mind and to expose a wider audience to the beautiful lyricism of Gabriel Fauré.

 
Au Bord de L'eau

S'asseoir tous deux au bord du flot qui passe,	
Le voir passer;

Tous deux, s'il glisse un nuage en l'espace,
Le voir glisser;		

A l'horizon s'il fume un toit de chaume,	
Le voir fumer;

Aux alentours, si quelque fleur embaume,
S'en embaumer;	

Entendre au pied du saule oý l'eau murmure,	
l' eau murmurer; 

Ne pas sentir tant que ce rýve dure, 
Le temps durer;	

Mais n'apportant de passion profonde,	
Qu' à s'adorer;	

Sans nul souci des querelles du monde,	
Les ignorer; 

Et seuls tous deux devant tout ce qui lasse, 
Sans se lasser;	

Sentir l'amour devant tout ce qui passe,	
Ne point passer!	

Alan Raines, Director of Choral Activities at Baylor University,
is a frequent guest conductor and sought-after clinician,
conducting all-state and honor choirs throughout much of the
United States. His guest appearances abroad have taken him to
South Korea, Europe and Russia. Dr. Raines's choirs have performed for
regional conventions of the American Choral Directors Association
and the Georgia Music Educators Association. He is also a member of
the conducting faculty at the summer festival La Musica Lirica in Urbania, Italy.

recording performed by The Georgia State University Women's Chorus
Atlanta, Georgia
Alan Raines, conductor

Click here to see a sample.

Click here to listen to a recording (MP3).