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From Amazon.com:
Dukas's three mature orchestral compositions are gathered on this attractive disc. The earliest is the little-known symphony, obviously inspired by Franck's three-movement symphony written a decade earlier. Like Franck, Dukas creates a large-scale sonata-form first movement; a lyrical slow movement that incorporates lighter, scherzo-like elements; and a rushing finale that contains a grandiose contrasting melody. La Peri, a late work, is subtitled "Dance Poem." It is glisteningly orchestrated--yet remarkably restrained--clearly delineated, colorful music. The Sorcerer's Apprentice (composed in between the other two) is deservedly popular, a colorful, splendidly lucid tone poem. Slatkin leads brisk, strongly played performances. The recorded sound is more than acceptable, if occasionally over-resonant. --Paul Turok
clearly exciting:
This 1996 performance of three of Dukas' best known works (of the scant 12 surviving) has received high critical praise for Slatkin's conducting of the genuine French Orchestre National. Well, "best known" is a relative term, since most of us have only heard Dukas' jaunty and soaring Sorcerer's Apprentice piece (most likely in Disney's Fantasia movie, under the baton of showman Stokowski). But the other two pieces here are equally quick-paced, tonal, lyrical, brassy, and classical in their sonata-forms. The symphony is admirable, if not exactly tuneful; one of the most outstanding of all French symphonies. The ballet score, La Péri, is preceded by an undistinguished fanfare, but itself is lyrical and often shimmers with high percussion. The ballet between two dancers concerns a fairy who holds a lotus Flower of Immortality desired by a Persian prince, who falls in love instead. These works sound crisp, spirited, and especially transparent in texture (clearly heard instrumental lines and not many at one time). They are most attractive works, approachable, and featuring the higher registers. In other words, not at all like the contemporary, turn of the last century, pieces from Viennese heavyweights like Mahler and Strauss, which instead forshadow the chaos to come.
Great music, good CD:
It is a pity that this music is not more often played in concerts (at least here in Spain) and recorded. Dukas had a great talent as an orchestral composer, and personally I think that The sorcerer's apprentice is a fascinating work. La Péri is also a very fine ballet music, which sometimes makes you remember Debussy or Ravel. The Symphony is perhaps a bit too long, but contains some wonderful moments. As far as the performance is concerned, I haven't heard any other, so I cannot compare, but in general I think it's very good. To sum up, I would say that this CD is a very good opportunity to get to know a bit of Dukas' music, which I think it's very worth the effort. Definitely recommended.
| Binding: | Audio CD | | EAN: | 0090266880225 | | Release Date: | 1999-02-09 | | Running Time: | 71 minutes | | UPC: | 090266880225 |
Tracks:- Symphony In C: I. Allegro non troppo vivace, ma con fuoco
- Symphony In C: II. Andante espressivo e sostenuto
- Symphony In C: III. Allegro spiritoso
- Fanfare -La Péri
- La Péri
- The Sorcerer's Apprentice
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