Après un Rêve
Composed by Gabriel Fauré
Transcribed for trombone and piano by David Wilken

Après un Rêve was composed by French composer and teacher Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924). Primarily known as a composer of songs, Fauré's music was slowly recognized in part to the modern style he composed in. Today he is regarded as one of the masters of French vocal music.

Originally Après un Rêve was composed for piano and voice. The text is based on a poem by Romain Bussine, a good friend of Fauré's. The English translation of the text is as follows:

In a slumber charmed by your image
I dreamed of happiness, ardent mirage;
Your eyes were more tender, your voice pure and clear.
You were radiant like a sky brightened by sunrise;
You were calling me, and I left the earth
To flee with you towards the light;
The skies opened their clouds for us,
Splendors unknown, glimpses of divine light...
Alas! Alas, sad awakening from dreams!
I call to you, oh night, give me back your illusions;
Return, return with your radiance,
Return, oh mysterious night!

The trombone part to this transcription has one B flat above middle C. If the trombonist has difficulty with this pitch, or desires to do so, measures 17 until 46 may be played down an octave and sound quite effective. The last F, in measure 47, will probably sound best if played in the staff where written, rather than down an octave.

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Après UN Rêve, piano score
Après UN Rêve, trombone part

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