Composed 1894; 7 minutes

Across four decades, Fauré composed 13 barcarolles (from the Italian barcarola, meaning ‘boatman’s song’) —more than any other composer. The gently rocking motion of the Venetian gondoliers’ song often surfaces in his piano writing. But the complex, adventurous Fifth Barcarolle does not drift quietly down a canal. It heads for the lagoon and the open water beyond. The first theme drives through swift chordal sequences to an exultant climax, built on the plunging interval of a falling fourth (F♯-C♯). A more fluid section follows—a flowing accompaniment supporting a rising, angular line that tumbles down a whole-tone descent. Restless and probing, the music unfolds with Fauré’s unforced harmonic spontaneity. He dedicated the Fifth Barcarolle to Mme. la Baronne, wife of composer Vincent d’Indy.