This is a comprehensive biography of the French composer Gabriel Faure for the general reader placing his work in the context of his times. Gabriel Faure (1845-1924) is one of the best-loved French composers of his era: works such as his Requiem Pavane" " Dolly Suite & " Cantique de Jean Racine" are perennial favourites. But Faures importance runs far deeper. His music has a unique blend of vigour & restraint sensuality & purity: an individual voice with a degree of integrity that helped him to resist the overwhelming forces
- notably the music of Wagner
- that held his Parisian contemporaries in thrall. His artistic independence served to inspire many of the next generation of French composers seeking to create a new Gallic identity beyond World War I. At the Paris Conservatoire Faures composition teaching was vital to such figures as Maurice Ravel Nadia Boulanger & Charles Koechlin; when he ultimately became the Conservatoires director his reforms were the most radical the institution had yet experienced. Faure has often been thought of as a dreamy somewhat unworldly individual; this book however reveals his ambition & decisiveness. Born in southern France & educated at the Ecole Niedermeyer rather than the powerful Paris Conservatoire he struggled for years to achieve recognition from Frances musical establishment which often deemed him a dangerous outsider; in his personal life he struggled also against bouts of depression an unsatisfactory marriage & later devastating deafness. Faures life & works are explored in the context of the creative melting pot of fin-de-siecle Paris. His relationship with such figures as Saint-Saens Liszt Proust & Verlaine are considered in detail & help to create a portrait of this fascinating milieu. This biography which charts Faures long & difficult rise to fame sets out to illuminate his individuality & reveal his enduring legacy to French music."

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Gabriel's Inferno" is the first in this intoxicating trilogy featuring Gabriel & Julia following their sensual journey of forbidden love
- with all the obsessive yearning of " Twilight" with the intensity of " Fifty Shades of Grey". One man's salvation one woman's sensual awakening... Gabriel Emerson is a man tortured by his dark past. A highly respected university professor Gabriel uses his notorious good looks & charm to lead a secret life of pleasure where nothing is out of bounds. Sweet & innocent Julia Mitchell enrols as Gabriel's graduate student & his immediate attraction to her & their powerful & strange connection threatens to derail his career. Wildly passionate & sinful " Gabriel's Inferno" is an exploration of the intense power of forbidden love. Sylvain Reynard is a Canadian writer with an interest in Renaissance art & culture & an inordinate attachment to the city of Florence."
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Gabriel's Inferno" is the first in this intoxicating trilogy featuring Gabriel & Julia following their sensual journey of forbidden love
- with all the obsessive yearning of " Twilight" with the intensity of " Fifty Shades of Grey". Two lovers bound by their darkest desires... Professor Gabriel Emerson has embarked on a passionate but clandestine love affair with his former student Julia Mitchell & is teaching her the sensual delights of the body & the raptures of sex. But their happiness is threatened by conspiring students academic politics & jealous ex-lovers. Can their love survive against all odds & will Gabriel fight to keep Julia? " Gabriel's Rapture" is an exquisite story of a forbidden love that knows no bounds that will touch your mind body & soul. Sylvain Reynard is a Canadian writer with an interest in Renaissance art & culture & an inordinate attachment to the city of Florence."
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Gabriella the Snow Kingdom Fairy makes Christmas a sparkly cosy & happy time with her three magical objects
- the Magic Snowflake
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Portable foldable & fun! Transport your music everywhere you go with these handy foldable speakers. These lightweight speakers are made from sturdy cardboard & are pre-creased ready to fold into a pyramid. Once assembled the speakers connect to any audio device with a standard 3.5mm headphone jack. They are quick & easy to dismantle & will fit easily in your bag or suitcase. This product is not waterproof. Use only on dry surface areas. ...

Enjoy your sounds while you take a soak! Enjoy this funky fully waterproof floating wireless speaker for your music player. The sounds are streamed from your MP3 player or mobile via the egg shaped transmitter
- straight to your bath tub! It also has a built-in FM radio onboard. Suitable for MP3 Smartphones Mobiles PCs Laptops & Tablets. Not suitable for children under 36 months due to small parts.
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Stash the cash & watch your savings grow! The coin counter recognises different UK sterling coins as you feed them into the slot & keeps a tally of your total to help you save. Also calculates the balance when you make withdrawals (not that you ever would?). Requires 2x AAA batteries (not included) Not suitable for children under 36 months due to small parts. ...

Its mind over metal! This tricky little brain teaser would make a great stocking filler for Christmas. Just separate the two interlocking pieces then try to reconnect them. Its harder than it sounds! Solution included. Not suitable for children under 36 months due to small parts. ...

Test your skills with the amazing Mini Maze! Can you roll the metal ball safely through the maze without it dropping into the numbered holes? Why not challenge a friend to the best of 10 goes & count the scores? This addictive little gadget would make a great stocking filler. Not suitable for children under 36 months due to small parts. ...

Dont get your wires crossed! Untangle the coloured wires so that none of them are crossed. Twist & turn sections of the ball to help you solve the puzzle. The perfect travel puzzle (as there are no loose pieces!) Not suitable for children under 36 months due to small parts. ...