Cantique de Jean Racine

Composer: Gabriel Fauré
Arranger: Ko Matsushita

Arranger’s note:

 Gabriel Fauré’s “Cantique de Jean Racine” Op. 11, is an early masterpiece, written as his graduation work at the Conservatory in 1865. Based on a poem (original in Latin) by Jean Racine (1639-1699), a French classical playwright, it is a reverent prayer to God.

 The original work is for mixed choir, but this version is arranged for female choir. There have been several favorable versions for women’s chorus, but unfortunately I could not find one that met my needs. Therefore, I decided to make my own arrangement of this version.

 At the same time, I analyzed and revised the accompaniment part.

 The premiere was given by the female choir Brilliant Harmony in 1996.

 The score was published in Choral Expression No. 16 in May 2006, but has been unavailable since the magazine ceased publication. I am very delighted to be able to revise and publish it again this time.