Gabriel Fauré’s Pavane is certainly one of his most popular compositions. You may, however, be surprised to learn that the premiere of this stylized dance in April 1888 was actually performed in a version for mixed choir rather than the now more familiar orchestral setting or other instrumental arrangement. The text, in the style of Verlaine, sketches the carefree society of the Belle Époque, in particular the various flirtations and dalliances of the dancers.