Music by Faberge c1971

Music by Fabergé, introduced in 1971, was more than just a fragrance—it was a sensory metaphor, an olfactory expression of harmony, emotion, and rhythm. The choice of the name Music was deeply intentional. Derived from the Greek word mousikē, referring to the art inspired by the Muses, the word entered English centuries ago to describe the structured yet emotionally resonant world of melody and sound. In everyday pronunciation—MYOO-zik—the word flows easily, echoing the very qualities the fragrance hoped to embody: softness, elegance, intimacy, and expression.

The name Music evokes a rich tapestry of associations. Music is universal, stirring joy, melancholy, romance, and nostalgia. It moves the spirit, brings people together, and colors memories with invisible brushstrokes. Fabergé, known for its flair and cultural awareness, chose this theme to appeal to a woman’s emotional sensibilities, encouraging her to see fragrance as something to feel and not just wear. “Put on a little Music,” the advertising campaign suggested—casting the perfume as part of one's daily ensemble, as essential and personal as a favorite song.

Launched in the early 1970s, Music arrived during a transformative time in both culture and perfumery. The era, often characterized as the beginning of post-1960s introspection, was marked by shifting social norms, the women’s liberation movement, and a growing desire for personal authenticity. Fashion reflected this evolution. While bold prints and psychedelic patterns still echoed the late '60s, there was a distinct move toward fluid silhouettes, earth tones, natural fabrics, and more personalized style choices. Women were no longer dressing—or living—just to conform. They were choosing what resonated with them emotionally and philosophically.

In perfumery, this translated to scents that were often mood-driven, lighter, more wearable in everyday life, and often described as part of one's personality. Faberge's Music, with its soft citric-floral profile layered over a delicate powdery chypre base, was right in step with this trend. It wasn't aggressive or overly heady like some of the opulent orientals of the previous decade. Instead, it offered a subtle composition that gently lingered—like a tune hummed under the breath. Its citrus notes gave it a fresh, youthful brightness, while the chypre base, built on mossy and slightly woody accords, grounded the scent with quiet sophistication. The powdery element added a sense of familiarity and femininity, softening the edges and giving it a graceful, skin-like finish.

The interpretation of “music” in scent form is particularly poetic. The citrus top notes could be imagined as the sparkling overture—effervescent and inviting. The floral heart forms the lyrical bridge, delicate and expressive, while the mossy chypre base represents the deep, resonant cadence that leaves an impression long after the song—or the scent—has ended. Fabergé succeeded in capturing the structure of a musical composition in fragrance, with each note unfolding in harmonious succession.

As for the kind of music popular in 1971, it was an incredibly rich and diverse moment in sound. Psychedelic rock was giving way to soft rock, soul, funk, and singer-songwriter ballads. Artists like Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and James Taylor were rising with introspective, emotionally driven lyrics. Meanwhile, Motown still reigned in dance halls, and the Beatles had only recently disbanded. In this soundscape, Fabergé’s Music might be likened to a mellow, melodic track—intimate, poetic, and quietly powerful. It would have appealed to the thoughtful, modern woman—someone who was tuning into her own sense of self, who appreciated grace over ostentation, and who understood that true style, like good music, is deeply personal.

In a crowded fragrance market that often pushed bold, sensual statements, Music offered something more reflective. Its message was clear: scent could be not only worn, but felt. It didn’t shout; it sang.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? Music by Faberge is classified as a citric floral fragrance for women with a very soft, powdery note over a chypre base.

• Top notes: Tunisian neroli, Sicilian lemon, Calabrian bergamot, aldehydes, Spanish rosemary
• Middle notes: Mexican heliotrope, Ceylon cinnamon, Provencal lavender, Dutch hyacinth, wild Bourbon geranium, Grasse narcissus, Indian carnation, Alpine lily of the valley, Egyptian jasmine
• Base notes: Atlas cedar, Madagascar vanilla, Singapore patchouli, Mysore sandalwood, Yugoslavian oakmoss, Haitian vetiver, Tibetan musk, ambergris, Venezuelan tonka bean

 

Scent Profile: 

Opening the bottle of Music by Fabergé is like lifting the lid on a well-loved symphony box—the scent escapes in delicate waves, composed note by note, country by country, like a global overture interpreted through fragrance.

The top notes are bright and invigorating, a clear citrus prelude that dances across the senses. Tunisian neroli leads the ensemble with its petal-fresh radiance—distilled from the bitter orange blossom, it’s tender and luminous, with a touch of green honeyed sharpness that speaks of sun-warmed groves along North Africa’s Mediterranean coast. Sicilian lemon follows with crystalline sparkle, zesty and tart but softened by its island terroir—less piercing than other lemons, it holds warmth from the volcanic soil and coastal breezes. The Calabrian bergamot is unmistakably elegant—grown on the Ionian coast of southern Italy, its oil has a balance of sweetness and bitterness, smooth like silk, and essential to many classic chypres. Spanish rosemary adds a peppery, herbal bite, its camphorous freshness grounding the citrus with an aromatic green snap. Then come the aldehydes—those shimmering, synthetic molecules that lift the natural elements like light catching on glass. They add a fizzy brilliance, an almost soapy, crystalline effect that makes the top notes sparkle with a clean, abstract sheen, acting as both amplifier and atmosphere.

The heart unfolds slowly and more intimately, blooming into a bouquet that is rich yet airy—each floral note layered like harmonies in a melodic chord. Mexican heliotrope breathes out its powdery warmth, with a scent reminiscent of marzipan and vanilla-sweet tobacco. It’s tender and nostalgic, adding a velvety softness. Ceylon cinnamon introduces a restrained spiciness—this variety, finer and less aggressive than cassia, is warm, woody, and delicately sweet, evoking spice bazaars and sun-baked bark. Provencal lavender contributes a floral sharpness that is distinctly Mediterranean—cool, slightly medicinal, and clean, offering a counterbalance to the heliotrope’s sweetness.

The florals swell into a vivid, almost tactile experience. Dutch hyacinth is watery green and heady with indolic richness; wild Bourbon geranium, from Réunion Island, lends a rosy, lemony sharpness, far more vivid than the cultivated European varieties. Grasse narcissus brings a honeyed earthiness with an edge of hay—dense, animalic, and slightly bitter, a nod to its legacy in fine French perfumery. Indian carnation introduces clove-like spice and a peppery warmth; not overly floral, it adds a textured depth. Alpine lily of the valley, usually reconstituted through synthetics like hydroxycitronellal, adds a cool, aqueous, green-white floralcy—like dew clinging to spring petals. Egyptian jasmine, lush and narcotic, pulses at the core: its indolic breathiness blends the floral heart with a hint of sensual shadow, enhancing the realism and intimacy of the bouquet.

The dry down is where Music becomes most soulful. It rests on a chypre foundation that is both mossy and musky, but softened with creamy woods and warm resins. Atlas cedar from Morocco gives a dry, pencil-shaving woodiness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness to come. Madagascar vanilla, with its smoky, resinous undertone, adds warmth and a gourmand edge, deepening the heliotrope’s earlier suggestion. Singapore patchouli is cleaner and more refined than its Indonesian counterpart—earthy, yes, but smooth, with a soft leatheriness. Mysore sandalwood, long prized and now rare, is creamy and milky with a subtle balsamic glow; its presence here is refined and grounding. Yugoslavian oakmoss lends the classic chypre signature: dark, damp, earthy, with a cool mineral greenness that roots the scent like soil cradling a tree’s roots.

Haitian vetiver rises next with its smoky grassiness and bitter earth tones, while Tibetan musk—likely synthetic in the modern formula—wraps everything in an animalic warmth. This musk isn’t overtly dirty, but rather powdery and soft, like the trace of skin. Ambergris, whether natural or replicated through compounds like ambroxan, lends a salty, skin-like diffusion—an aged, sunlit smoothness that elevates every other note. Finally, Venezuelan tonka bean closes the melody with its coumarin-rich sweetness, almond-like and warmly spicy, casting a golden light over the entire composition.

Together, Music is not just a scent—it is a composition built on movement, mood, and memory. Each note is distinct yet seamlessly blended, unfolding like verses in a favorite ballad: fresh, romantic, quietly sensual, and softly nostalgic. It captures a moment in time and stretches it, like a long, lingering note held just a second longer—subtle, enduring, and entirely its own.

Product Line:

Music by Fabergé was more than just a fragrance—it was a complete sensory experience, thoughtfully presented in a range of formats that allowed wearers to incorporate its melody of scent into their daily lives in both practical and indulgent ways.

The 1.25 oz Cologne Splash was the most casual and accessible offering, perfect for those who preferred a quick refresh throughout the day. With just a few dabs to the pulse points, this size allowed the wearer to enjoy the fragrance in a light, carefree way—ideal for the active woman of the early 1970s who appreciated spontaneity and ease. The splash format evoked a sense of ritual, a small gesture of elegance in the midst of a busy day.

For those who favored convenience and precision, the 1.85 oz Cologne Spray provided a modern twist. It delivered an even mist that clung gently to the skin or clothing, making it perfect for morning routines or a midday pick-me-up. Slightly larger, the 2 3/8 oz Cologne Spray offered a more generous application—well-suited for evening wear, or for those who loved to let the fragrance linger longer, enveloping them in its warm, powdery chypre embrace.

A particularly charming offering was the 1/8 oz Cologne Whistle Flacon—a petite, whimsical accessory that blended function with fashion. Often worn on a chain or slipped into a handbag, the whistle flacon was perfect for discreet touch-ups, its novelty adding an element of fun and flirtation. It echoed the 1970s fascination with playful luxury and self-expression through personal adornment.

To complement the liquid fragrance, Fabergé also offered body products that elevated the fragrance into a full-body experience. The 2.5 oz Powder Shaker was a refined addition to a vanity table, its softly fragranced powder keeping the skin fresh while subtly extending the scent's presence. Light and airy, it added a tactile softness and was perfect for warmer days or post-bath pampering. For a more indulgent option, the 5 oz Dusting Powder delivered a lush, powdery finish. Its velvety texture enhanced the floral and musky base notes of Music, making it ideal for layering—setting the stage for a long-lasting scent trail while evoking the classic elegance of vintage perfumery rituals.

Together, these formats underscored Music’s identity as more than a scent—it was an immersive composition. With its bright citrus opening, romantic floral heart, and softly grounded chypre base, Music captured the essence of the 1970s: an era of artistic freedom, shifting style, and emotive expression. Whether spritzed, dabbed, dusted, or dabbed from a miniature pendant, Music allowed women to wear fragrance in tune with their lifestyle, their mood, and their own unique rhythm.

The packaging for Music perfectly encapsulates the psychedelic style of the period. The vibrant, swirling designs and bold colors reflect the free-spirited and expressive culture of the 1970s, making it not just a fragrance but a piece of art. The intricate and eye-catching design elements of the bottle and box evoke the era's iconic fashion and artistic trends, making Music by Fabergé a standout product on any vanity. This attention to detail in the packaging enhances the overall sensory experience, making the act of using the fragrance as delightful as the scent itself.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Although the exact date of discontinuation is unknown, Music by Fabergé was still sold in 1978, continuing to capture the hearts of those who cherished its unique blend of citrus, floral, and chypre notes. Despite its eventual discontinuation, Music remains a beloved and nostalgic fragrance, remembered for its ability to encapsulate the essence of the 1970s in both scent and style.

In 1980, Fabergé  reintroduced the fragrance known as Music, but this time with a new name: "La Provocante." Interestingly, La Provocante was launched as part of Fabergé's Farrah Fawcett line, adding a new dimension to the collection associated with the iconic actress.

This renaming and rebranding of Music to La Provocante likely aimed to inject new life into the fragrance while aligning it with the Farrah Fawcett brand's image and ethos. The choice of name, La Provocante, suggests a fragrance that embodies seduction, allure, and confidence, reflecting Farrah Fawcett's iconic style and charisma.

With its reintroduction under the Farrah Fawcett line, La Provocante offered fans of the actress a scent experience that evoked her timeless glamour and magnetic presence. The fragrance likely retained the essence of Music while presenting it in a fresh and contemporary light, appealing to a new generation of fragrance enthusiasts.