Hannes Minnaar - Gabriel Fauré - Nocturne No. 13 in B Minor, Op.119

Thirteen Nocturnes and as many Barcarolles form the core of the collected output of Gabriel Urbain Fauré (1845-1924) for the piano. Night-time meditations, then, along with inspiration drawn from rippling water (the origins of the barcarolle lie in the songs sung by Venetian gondoliers and the word itself comes from the Italian ‘barca’, a boat). Along with some impromptus, preludes and other works, one might rapidly gain the impression of a delightful collection of salon music, whose titles may actually display the influence of Chopin (Fauré was even to write a Mazurka). But this music is so very much more than pretty salon music. In the intimacy of these genres, Fauré succeeded time and again in nothing short of exposing his very soul. And the French composer’s style is entirely his own – original and personal – from the first note to the last. CD Executive producer: Anne de Jong Recorded at: Westvest 90 Schiedam, The Netherlands Recording dates: 26-28 January 2016 Recording: Northstar Recording Services BV Producer, balance engineer, editing & mastering: Bert van der Wolf Recording Assistant, location photography & cinematography: Brendon Heinst DVD Recorded at: Westvest 90 Schiedam, The Netherlands Recording date: 29th of January 2016 Audio recording: Northstar Recording Services BV Audio producer, balance engineer, editing & mastering: Bert van der Wolf Recording assistant & location photography: Brendon Heinst Cinematography: Brendon Heinst & Anne Paul Roukema A&R Challenge Records International: Anne de Jong Liner notes: Hannes Minnaar Translations: Bruce Gordon, Birgit Siessl, Brigitte Zwerver-Berret/Muse Translations Booklet editing: Sarina Pfister Cover photo: Juan Carlos Villarroel, newartsint.com Product coordination: Boudewijn Hagemans Graphic Design: Natasja Wallenburg & Juan Carlos Villarroel, newartsint.com Art direction: New Arts International www.challengerecords.com / www.hannesminnaar.com