This unusual yet apt coupling, brings together Fauré and Ravel, mentor and pupil. Ravel’s unsuccessful attempts to win the Prix de Rome caused a student revolt at the Paris Conservatoire, supported by his teacher, Gabriel Fauré. When Fauré became director of the Conservatoire, he brought about sweeping changes that were to enhance French musical life. Ravel composed his vivacious String Quartet in F major in 1903, which he dedicated to his mentor. Twenty years later, Fauré in turn paid tribute to his student, with a sublimely beautiful String Quartet which proved to be his swan song. Both works are performed by the Ad Libitum Quartet, winners of the Premier Grand Prix at the 1997 Évian String Quartet Competition.