The Essential Paul Dukas

Paul [Composer] Dukas (Composer), Yan Pascal Tortelier (Conductor), Ulster Orchestra (Orchestra), BBC Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra), Margaret Fingerhut (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Margaret Fingerhut
• Orchestra: Ulster Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
• Conductor: Yan Pascal Tortelier
• Composer: Paul [Composer] Dukas
• Audio CD (May 23, 2006)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Chandos
• ASIN: B000EXZGTI
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #296,470 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well done performances, December 8, 2008

By 

R. Rockwell (Brooklyn, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Essential Paul Dukas (Audio CD)

I must thank the Rough Guide for recommending these discs or I mould never have known just how great a conductor Tortelier is of his fellow Frenchman Paul Dukas. Dukas was one the most self-critical of composers and even destroyed much of his work before his death. So these two CDs contain almost all of his remaining work.
His only symphony in three movements is in the classical style bearing the flavor of Cesar Franck was interesting listening but in my opinion is no worth a second listen, Dukas seems to shine in his shorter orchestral works lie La peri and l'apprenti sorier and the overture to Poleucte. La Peri has always been a favorite of mine and it was well played here by the BBC with just the right amount of mysticism combined with suspense .. The Sorcerer's apprentice was also wonderfully done approaching the right amount of tension.
Many critics call Paul Dukas' almost fifty minute piano sonata to be on of the best in the Twentieth Century. He combines the effort of Bethovian style with French pianistic style. The CDs contain a wonderful performance by Margaret Fingerhut who while not a visionary t the piano does manage to be able manage the overalls shape of the sonata in a way that brought tears to with Dukas' massivel beautiful work.
I highly recommend these CD since Paul Dukas was not a one-hit composer.
Please excuse typos I have a neurologic disease.
CD!72.21 c=CD2

4.0 out of 5 stars The unique sound of Paul Dukas, June 3, 2010

By 

Dan Moore "classical music enthusiast" (Livermore, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Essential Paul Dukas (Audio CD)

The Sorcerer's Apprentice made Paul Dukas famous and led to his appointment as Professor of Composition at the Paris Conservatoire. Surprisingly, no major works were written after the appointment. This 2 CD set contains a symphony, an overture, a symphonic poem, a piano sonata and two other short works for piano in addition to the composition that made him famous.
All works are performed admirably with the lush sound typical of French music of this period strongly influenced by the music of César Franck. I particularly enjoy the Piano Sonata played by one of my favorite pianists, Margaret Fingerhut. The sound on the recording is clear with high dynamic range. I recommend this set to anyone who enjoys lush romantic music.