In 1889, GABRIEL FAUR� was asked to compose incidental music for a new play titled SHYLOCK to be presented at the Th��tre de l’Od�on in Paris, an adaptation of Edmond Haraucourt of Shakespeare’s THE MERCHANT OF VENICE. Following the December 17, 1889, opening night, the play and music continued for a full 56 performances, an impressive number for that theater and a credit to Faur�’s musical contribution. Following the use of the incidental music, he reduced the number of pieces from nine to six, making a suite. The highlight of both the incidental music and the suite is NOCTURNE. Charles Koechlin wrote of it: "As for the Nocturne for strings alone, it is impossible to place this music, so profound and universally human is it. The intense tenderness of night here revealed was one of the most beautiful of Faure’s inspirations." Reprint edition. String count of 8-8-5-5-5 included in the set.