Pavane (Fauré) Pavane (Fauré) The Pavane in F-sharp minor, Op. 50, is a pavane by the French composer Gabriel Fauré written in 1887. It was originally a piano piece, but is better known in Fauré's version for orchestra and optional chorus. Obtaining its rhythm from the slow processional Spanish court dance of the same name, the Pavane ebbs and flows from a series of harmonic and melodic climaxes, conjuring a haunting Belle Époque elegance. The piece is scored for only modest orchestral forces consisting of string instruments and one pair each of flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, and horns. A typical performance lasts
Polonaise (clothing) the back," with the bodice closed at the top center front and sloping away at the sides, leaving a triangular gap that was filled by a false waistcoat. Sleeves could be three-quarter length or long, and various styles such as the Irish, Italian and French "polonaise" were described by contemporaries. A variation on the "robe à la polonaise" was the "robe à la circassienne", cut the same but trimmed with "oriental" tassels or fur. The term "polonaise" was applied to a variety of garments throughout the 19th century, often because their styling was thought to be Polish in inspiration. One