Elegy, Op. 24

This single movement began life as the intended slow movement of a cello sonata Fauré never completed; rather than discard it, he published it on its own in 1883 and it became one of the most-performed pieces in the cello repertoire. The opening presents a long, low-lying cello melody in C minor over a spare accompaniment, unhurried and plainly stated. A contrasting middle section moves to the major key with a more agitated character, building to a forceful exchange between cello and piano before the opening theme returns and the work closes quietly.

What to listen for

Notice what happens at the transition into the middle section: the accompaniment picks up the melodic lead and the cello drops back briefly before reclaiming it, reversing the usual soloist-and-support relationship. Then watch for the forceful passage that closes the middle section, where the two parts trade vehement phrases in rapid succession before the dynamic suddenly subsides and the opening mood returns.

Recommended rendition

Jacqueline du Pré's recording with the orchestral version has been frequently cited as a reference account, praised for the directness and weight she brings to the cello's long melodic lines.

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