Johnson (accompaniment, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, UK) examines the songs of French composer Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) within the context of his life and the lives of poets whose texts he used, such as Charles Baudelaire, Paul Verlaine, Leconte de Lisle, Armand Silvestre, Charles Van Lerberghe, Victor Hugo, and Jean de La Ville de Mirmont. Each of Fauré's 109 songs is analyzed in chronological order, with historical and biographical context, and discussion of their features, interpretation, and style, along with chapters on the interpretation and performance of the songs by singers and pianists. English translations are provided. Johnson directed a project in which each of the songs was performed by student singers and pianists, and the book is the outcome of that experience. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)