When we talk about French composers, we think of Claude Debussy and Ravel. There are those who have fun defending one or the other as the best French composer of all time. Frankly, two geniuses have been absolute, as a result of the circumstances of their time. They were a very important link in the history of French music and in the history of European music in general.

But before this link there was another one. Caesar Franck and Gabriel Fauré. Two brilliant precursors who do not enjoy the fame of their descendants.

I'm going to study the figure of Gabriel Fauré. First, because the centenary of his death was celebrated on 4 November. There has been no lack of concerts in honour of this great composer. Above all by interpreting his wonderful Requiem. But there's another reason to remember it. He was one of the teachers who most influenced our Maurice Ravel. As I said, Ravel is one of the great French musicians and is undoubtedly the most important Basque composer of all time. It's fair to remember the one who forged the great talent of Ziburu's musician.

And of course, there's a third reason to talk about it. Its wonderful musical heritage. It's not as famous as its descendants, yes, but the music I composed for piano is the most beautiful and suggestive thing you can hear. The mastery of its harmonies, the special "Fauré Sound", full of a special fog, the halo that only those who manage the world of harmony with art can get, turn their piano music into an unrepeatable gem.

In general, he was a composer who escaped greatness and great formats. It is said that it was one of the musicians of his time who best managed to make music independent of the Wagnerian influence. Things were not easy for him, as academicians saw him as a dangerous revolutionary. He was the director of the conservatory and managed it with a firm pulse until his death. In fact, he had managed to put an end to some of the nepotisms and injustices that occurred in the academic field, which led him to clashes.

But without a doubt, the most important thing about Gabriel Fauré is his legacy as a great teacher and author. The sense of color in their works is masterful. On the other hand, it is very difficult for non-professional musicians to interpret, even though it systematically avoids virtuosity. From his legacy, the most widely interpreted work in the repertoire is Requiem, which in its day was a turning point in the tradition of the "dead masses". However, as I said before, the color of piano music and the special atmosphere are unique in the history of music. Nocturnoa and Barcarola are the quintessence of sweetness. Lately they are interpreted more often, but they are not programmed as often as we would like. If you have the opportunity, please listen to these pieces.