Angela Hewitt's recordings of French piano music have received the highest critical acclaim. For this release, she turns to Fauré, a French composer who is both serious and introspective, with a refinement that has led to him being relatively overlooked by some performers. In Angela Hewitt's hands this music is an utter joy. This album includes the composer's major work in the genre, the Thème et variations, Op 73, along with a selection of Valses-caprices and Nocturnes. It ends with a more radiant piece from Fauré's youth, the Ballade pour piano seul, Op 19, dedicated to Saint-Saëns.