Gabriel Fauré (1845–1924) was a French composer, organist, pianist, and teacher. He was the foremost French composer of his generation, and his musical style influenced many 20th century composers. Faure trained at the Ecole Niedermeyer as organist and choirmaster, coming under the influence of Saint-Saëns and his circle while working as a church musician and giving lessons. Though he met Liszt and was fascinated by Wagner, he sought a distinctive style in his piano pieces and numerous songs, which had to be composed during summer holidays. Recognition came slowly owing to the modernity of his music. In 1892 he became national inspector of the provincial conservatories, and in 1896 composition professor at the Conservatoire, where his pupils included Ravel  and Nadia Boulanger.

Fauré's stylistic development can be traced from the sprightly or melancholy song settings of his youth to the bold, forceful late instrumental works, traits including a delicate combination of extended tonality and modality, rapid modulations to remote keys and continuously unfolding melody. Widely regarded as the greatest master of French song, he produced six important cycles and three collections each of twenty pieces. In chamber music he enriched all the genres he attempted, while his works for piano embody the full scope of his stylistic evolution. Among his few large-scale works, the popular and delicately written Requiem, Op. 48 and the "song opera" Pénélope (1913) are noteworthy.