Berceuse Op.16 (1878–79)

The one true berceuse in this programme is the irresistibly charming example in 6/8 time by Fauré. The piano gently rocks the cradle throughout while the muted violin keeps the quietly happy melodic line to itself, both in the outer sections and in the middle section based on a variant of the opening theme. It was first performed in February1880 by Ovide Musin who also gave the first performance of the orchestral version two months later.