Ici-bas!

Fauré's interest in choral music was superceded by his love for chanson as evidenced by his output. His fascintation 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 Debussey, 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 ýClair de Luneý with this in concept mind and to expose a wider audience to the beautiful lyricism of Gabriel Faur&é.

Ici-bas!

Ici-bas tous les lilas meurent,
Tous les chants des oiseaux sont courts,
Je rêve aux été demeurent
Toujours!

Ici-bas les lèvres effleurent
Sans rien laisser de leur velours,
Je rêve aus baisers qui demeurent
Toujours!

Ici-bas tous les hommes pleurent
Leurs amiti&és ou leurs amours;
Je rêve aus couples qui demeurent
Toujours!

Here on Earth

Down here, all the lilacs die
All the songs of the birds are short,
I dream of summers that last
forever!

Down here, the lips touch
leaving nothing of their velvet
I dream of kisses that last
forever!

Down here, all men mourn
lost friendships or lost loves;
I dream of couples that last
forever!

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.

Click here to see a sample.