Customer Reviews

Saint-Saens: Symphony No. 3 "Organ"; Carnival of the Animals; Dance Macabre, etc.

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3 star:		(2)
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Time and time again I have heard music lovers complain that technology does little justice to the art and science of recording great music; that it was done better in the old days when all we had was vinyl and that at least vinyl recorded the warmth and heart along with the performance. Finally, from listening to this recording, I understand what people mean by all of this!

I have heard coutless other recordings of this piece of music. I have heard the legend of Charles Dutoit trekking the entire Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal to a church in Ste. Eustache so as to enjoy its near-perfect acoustics and legendary organ. The recording that these sessions yeilded was carried out with the latest in contemporary recording equipment. It does not hold a candle to this recording by the Philadelphia Orchestra. I have heard it described as "banged up" and "scratchy" but I can only describe it as "warm" as if eavesdropping on the rehearsal from just beyond a wooden door. The Analog-to-Digital re-mastering is, in my humble opinion, wonderful, magical and I am all the more thankful that the great E. Power Biggs is a part of the effort.

If you decide to own a copy of this symphony, there are countless interpretations, but this is the one to own, and at this price you just can't go wrong. This is the only version that I listen to...the only version that I will listen to.

Saint-Saens is without a doubt my favorite composer. He has been since I was eight, I could rave on and on for hours about how wonderful his works are!! It is interesting; he was accused of being stuffy and too conservative and conventional, but in fact he had a great sense of humor and it is exactly his staying with his style of music that makes him so different. This interpretation of the music, especially the Organ symphony, has a haunting and very expressive tone. Some movements sound so full and powerful and gigantic; others are so sweeping and deep that it will move you to tears. And at first I did not like the Bacchanale, but it has grown to be one of my favorite overall works of him. Also Danse Macabre is wonderfull, and the Carnival of the Animals shows the same diversity that the Organ symphony had but with more humorous touches. The Marche Militare is great for any fan of marches, not necessarily Sousa marches. I am least satisfied in interpretation with the Carnival of the Animals; I believe I have heard better, but it may be only a matter of taste. Whether you are just starting in classical music or are an avid fan, this is a great disc to add to your collection.

Although this interpretation of the Organ Symphony delivers for the most part - delicate when needed, intense to contrast - I find that the tempo in the finale is much too quick, and races through what should be so much more grandiose. Also, the poor recording of the timpani (sounds at times like it was in another room) is especially disappointing as the last few bars sail by. A good disc for its coverage of Saint-Saens' repertoire, but the end of the Organ Symphony leaves one disappointed.

Like some other people, I bought this album with an eye towards having a complete version of Saint-Saens' wonderful "Carnival of the Animals".

But I was favorably impressed by the playing of E Power Biggs on the Organ parts of Saint-Saens' "Symphony #3". His playing was masterful, to say the least, and it was not overpowered by the backing of the Philadelphia Orchestra under the baton of Eugene Ormandy.

The additional features of the Bacchanale (from Saint-Saens' "Samson and Dalila"), the French Military March, and the "Danse Macabre" only add to the luster of this fine CD. The Bacchanale only whets my appetite for a complete copy of "Samson and Dalila". The "Marche Militaire Francaise" makes me want to hear the remainder of "Suite Algerienne". And the "Danse Macabre" makes a wonderful prelude to "Carnival of the Animals".

Those who do not have a complete copy of "Carnival of the Animals", one of Saint-Saens' most recognizable pieces, will not go wrong by selecting this to add to their library of Classical music. Even those who have other versions of "Carnival" will be pleased by the other selections on this CD. 75 minutes of pure power and pleasure.

Saint-Saens has a flare for the ornate without tiring your ear. He describes a scene with sound, painting a picture of skeletons dancing (Danse macabre, inspired by a poem "describing the figure of Death playing the violin in a nocturnally eerie graveyard while skeletons perform a ghostly dance" (Cd booklet)), militia marching proudly, or fish swimming along peacefully in an aquarium. His music is a delight to the ear and the mind.

This recording is clear and the music precise. The compilation of works is very desirable - Symphony No. 3 in C minor, Opus 78 "Organ", Bacchanale from Samson et Dalila Opus 47, Marche militaire francaise, Danse macabre Opus 40, and Carnival of the Animals - any fan of classical music should have this CD! To top it off, the list of musicians performing is quite impressive:

The Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Eugene Ormandy, performs Symphony No. 3 with Edward Biggs on organ. Bacchanale, Marche Militaire Francaise, and Danse Macabre are also performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra with the same conductor.

The Carnival of the Animals is performed chamber-style with: Piano I & Conductor: Philippe Entremont Piano II: Gaby Casadesus Flute: Alain Marion Clarinet: Michel Arrignon Glockenpiel: Michel Cals Xylophone: Michel Cerutti Violin I: Regis Pasquier Violin II: Yan-Pascal Tortelier Viola: Gerard Causse Cello: Yo-Yo Ma Double Bass: Gabin Lauridon

Such gorgeous playing from the fabulous Philly strings! Sadly, this style of playing, with the tasteful and exceptionally well-executed portamentos (i?), is almost never heard today. The whole orchestra's heart and soul seem devoted to presenting the most awesome performance of Saint Saens masterpiece. It is riveting. Do not hesitate; performances of this caliber are worth much more than any price!

This disc (or rather, its precursor on CBS Odessey) is one of the CD's which got me interested in classical music a long time ago. People often accuse Saint-Saens's music of being too flowery, but such flowers! It's hard to imagine a better disc of orchestral showpieces -- good music, good sound, and good performances for a bargain price. No collection is complete without it.

I got this CD for the Carnival of the Animals but the recordings of Danse Macabre, Marche Militare, and Bacchanale are faboulous. I have heard many recording of theses 3 and this one is the best of them that I have ever heard. Saint-Saens is a pleasure to listen to and if you enjoy his music then you will definitaly enjoy this CD.

A must-have for any classical lover or anyone who wants a broader appreciation of music. A delight to listen to, especially as arranged and performed by these excellent musicians.

Having heard dozens of highly polished runthroughs over the years of this oft-hackneyed warhorse, this performance (some 40 years old) still remains fresh, vital, and scintillating, unsurpassed by any and equaled by very few, at any price.

Interpretive values aside, the CBS recorded sound quality back then was arresting, very present, even stunning, but a bit abrasive. The CD mastering retains the close-up attack and realism, while minimizing any harshness.

Easily recommended. A true Classic that has stood the test of time.