Jules Massenet has long been associated primarily with opera, while his orchestral works have gone unappreciated. This collection of overtures, ballet music, and concert pieces, each with its own unique orchestral colour, showcases Massenet's orchestral writing at its finest. The Orchestre de la Suisse Romande is conducted by its Music and Artistic Director, Neeme Järvi.From the opening diminished seventh chord of the concert work Ouverture de 'Phèdre' it is clear that we are in a world of high drama. Commissioned in 1874 for performance in Paris, it is based on Racine's play of the same name. Written in the same year, but in complete contrast, is the Scènes pittoresques, full of a grace and elegance that is often reminiscent of Tchaikovsky. The 'Suite de ballet' from Le Cid evokes yet another sound world, one of exotic colours and exuberant celebration, its seven movements featuring dance music from different regions of Spain. Also featured on this disc are a number of works involving a solo cello, performed here by Truls Mørk, one of the pre-eminent cellists of our time. He shines a light on Massenet's littleknown Fantaisie for cello and orchestra, a fine piece rarely heard on disc or in the concert hall.
B**E
The more I listen to it the more I enjoy it! It is joyful music tastefully interpreted by ...
Massenet was a previously unknown composer for me. The recording is performed very well and the Chandos SACD sound is outstanding.. The more I listen to it the more I enjoy it! It is joyful music tastefully interpreted by Jarvi and orchestra. I am very pleased with my purchase.
B**D
Quality Massenet orchestral playing.
Massenet has been in the process of rediscovery for about 20 years ago, and deservedly. This recording of his orchestra music, superbly played, is highly enjoyable.
C**B
So-so
It was good to have some of the lesser-known pieces but the performances of the well-known ones just did not match the standard of other recordings
A**R
Five Stars
No problems
R**N
One Star
poor orchestra
E**K
A Real Treat
Wonderful sonics.
S**W
Superb performance of splendid and rarely recorded works
Jules Massenet is known primarily for his operas (e.g., Manon, Cherubin, Werther, Thais); indeed, he was the most acclaimed French opera composer in the generation following Gounod. Recordings of his orchestral works are few and far between. This outstanding recording must rank as one of the best. Massenet was a master of both melody and orchestration. I couldn't disagree more with the previous reviewer. I think that conductor Neeme Jarvi draws forth sublime performances from the very accomplished Orchestre de la Suisse Romande. They play with passion, precision, and real brio. The renound cellist Truls Mork, who features in three of the works (most notably Fantasie), shows himself to be a true virtuoso. The recorded sound of this release is also excellent. I would not hesitate to recommend this delightful disc to anyone who loves music of the Romantic era.
R**A
UNA JOYA
Extraordinario el disco que nos ofrece Neeme Järvi al frente de la Orquesta de la Suisse Romande. Se trata de una selección de obras orquestales de Jules Massenet, algunas de las cuales, son realmente infrecuentes en los estudios de grabación. A resaltar la música de ballet de la ópera " Le Cid " de 1885. Es una página brillante donde las haya , llena de colorido y exuberancia orquestal. Cabe también destacar la " Fantasie para cello y orquesta ", que cuenta con la colaboración de uno de los más famosos cellistas de la actualidad, el noruego Truls Mörk. Esta composición es un verdadero hallazgo, puesto que el compositor demuestra su inspiración a lo largo de la obra. La obertura " Phedre ", que fue escrita en 1874, es una auténtica maravilla, ya que es díficil tratar el material temático con el que cuenta el compositor con tanta genialidad.El disco acaba con la cuarta suite de Massenet " Scenes pittoresques ", la más destacada, en mi opinión, de las siete suites para orquesta de Massenet.Disco, pues, altamente recomendable. Desde aquí quiero hacer un homenaje a Neeme Järvi, porque gracias a la gran cantidad de música infrecuente que ha resucitado del más absoluto olvido, a los aficionados a la música clásica se nos han abierto nuevos campos. Por tanto, gracias a él hoy conocemos muchos compositores que, sin motivo aparente, estaban desterrados de las salas de conciertos.
A**R
Terrific playing and musical direction from the Orchestre de la ...
Terrific playing and musical direction from the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande and Neeme Jarvi. The ballet music from Le Cid has great style and swagger and the pieces for cello and orchestra, with Truls Mork, are beautifully played. A highly enjoyable CD. Looking forward to the next one.
S**N
spirited playing of worthwhile music
Massenet was an influential figure in French music in the later 19c, but it is only when you hear this very well-played selection that you get some idea why. All credit to the authoritative Neemi Jarvi and the assured Suisse Romande; and credit too to Truls Mork for tackling the Fantaisie with such assurance, and making the listener feel that this piece does not deserve to be so obscure. The livelier music is played with enormous spirit, and benefits from the fine, vivid Chandos recording. A highly enjoyable disc.
R**S
Massenet Rarities
Lots of rarities here. Some better - more interesting than others - but the complete package is well worth a look.
ペ**カ
ヤルヴィならではの小気味よさ
私はパーヴォよりも父ネーメの切れ味の良い演奏に惹かれます。このマスネでもヤルヴィ節は健在で、思わせぶりなところは微塵もなくストレートに押してくるダイナミックなサウンドが堪能できます。それにしても最近のシャンドスの録音は音が美しいこと！
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