Customer Reviews

The Best of Saint-Saëns

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This is a very good selection of the works of the talented Saint-Saens.

The Marche militaire francaise from Suite Algerienne, Op. 60 is a rousing start to the CD, full of fanfare. The Havanaise in E major, Op. 83 is a romantic violin and orchestra piece, vacillating between lilting romance and tension. Danse macabre in G minor, Op. 40 is so full of wit, humor and imagery. It starts with discordance and turns into a frantic waltz complete with knocking bone sounds from the percussions. The work is dramatic, building to a frantic swirling waltz, with pauses of resonance between a discordant violin and clanking percussions. As the tile indicates this is a wonderful piece for dance. The tempo increases as the piece reaches its heights and the violins and percussion section battle for dominance.

The Swan from the Carnival of the Animals is certainly well known but by no means is it the centerpiece of this well balanced collection in which every selection stands on its own. The sad and tragic violin and pianos are melodic and almost mournful. Yet in the midst of the almost romantic sadness of the piece is a pause of self-awareness and clarity that lasts only a second but allows the work to move toward resolution. The Aquarium and Fossils are two of my favorites from the Carnival of Animals that I wish had also been included.

The Introduction and Rondo capriccioso in A minor, Op. 28. demonstrates Saint-Saens mastery of the violin and the dramatic ability of this instrument. There is a unique feature about Saint-Saens which has to do with his abrupt changes in his compositions, almost as if he is so full of ideas and tricks that he doesn't let a theme ripen before shifting gears and offering another tid-bit of musical entrancement. This is a well constructed piece with all the drama of a Russian gypsy movie.

Piano Trio No. 2 in E minor, Op. 92: Adante con moto is hypnotic with a perfect balance of piano and violin, each echoing each other. The Bacchanale from Samson and Delilah is full of drama and resonates with his Danse macabre but does not have the humor of the percussions. Instead we get a wild belly dance melody evoking 19th century Western concepts of the exotic East. Following the belly dance we get an odd waltz that drags just a bit, evoking intoxication. The work builds to a frantic conclusion without the witty grace of the waltz such as you hear in Danse macabre.

Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 22 - Allegro scherzando is flighty and charming with a witty snappy closing. As always Saint-Saens delights with his willingness to experiment and constantly change so that the listener never grows bored.

The Violin Concerto No. 3 in B. minor, Op 61 - Andantino quasi allegretto is a beautiful piece, pastoral, narrative, and full bodied. The violin matched by the wind instruments in the orchestra for a calming peaceful lark. His melodies are instantly recognizable and dominant in the work. The resolution is gentle and calm.

Le Rouet d'Omhale in A major, Op. 31 is a beehive of energy utilizing every section of the orchestra and produces a piece that doesn't work so hard to charm the listener but explores some depths, at least momentarily, before lightening up. Saint-Saens selections on this collection tend toward to charming and playful. Symphony No. 3 in C minor, Op. 78 "Organ" - Presto is a favorite organ piece because instead of the heaviness that can so characterize the organ, Saint-Saens turns it into a bubbling fountain.

Camille Saint-Saens is arguably the most famous French composer, and his large body of works is well-represented here. "The Swan", from the Carnival of the Animals, the most recognizable work, is nicely done. Selections include a portion of his Second Piano Concerto, and his Third Violin Concerto, two of his best works. Also featured on this disc are two other works that feature the solo violin: Havanaise, and the Intro and Rondo Capriccioso. Enjoyable works these! A fine variety of other works round out this very nice tour of the great 19th-century French composer's music. This label, Naxos, is widely acclaimed as the absolute best BUDGET classical label. However, don't let the nice price fool you. Naxos delivers fine QUALITY recordings, time after time. The major critics concur. I do also, as in my personal collection I have over 100 CDs from this excellent label. You will not be disappointed with this "Best Of" disc.