Gabriel Fauré

Born: 1845, Pamiers, France
Died: 1924, Paris, France

Probably the most advanced French composer of his generation, Fauré was able to write music only during summer vacations while toiling principally as a choirmaster and teacher. The great master of French song, Fauré sold his chansons to his publisher outright for only 50 francs apiece. At age 60, however, he became director of the Paris Conservatory, a post which made him suddenly famous. He retained his creative gifts to the end of his life – indeed, it is the later works that inspired the fervent admiration of younger composers such as Aaron Copland and Arthur Honegger.