Gabriel Faure's lasting influence on French music is tied to the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War - a conflict in which France sought to limit...

Gabriel Faure's lasting influence on French music is tied to the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War - a conflict in which France sought to limit Prussia's bid for German unification. In an age of widespread nationalism, and with the threat of German power at their doorstep, French artists set out to establish a firm national identity of their own. It was under these circumstances that Caille Saint-Saens co-founded the Societe Nationale de Musique to promote the music of young French composers. As a member of that society, Faure became a centerpiece of the scene musicale, and ultimately an artistic model for Claude Debussy and his impressionistic colleagues. Robert Demaine is an American virtuoso cellist who has been hailed by The New York Times as "an artist who makes one hang on every note". He has distinguished himself as one of the finest and most versatile instrumentalists of his generation, performing to critical acclaim as soloist, recitalist, orchestral principal, recording artist and chamber musician. Andrew Armstrong, praised by critics for his passionate expression and dazzling technique, pianist Andrew Armstrong has delighted audiences across Asia, Europe, Latin America, Canada, and the United States, including performances at Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall and many others.