Consort of London: Bizet's Petite Suite & L'arlesienne

Immerse yourself in the rich, dramatic world of Georges Bizet with the Consort of London's captivating album, "Bizet's Petite Suite & L'arlesienne." Released on February 17, 2015, under the Silent Star Music label, this classical masterpiece offers a compelling journey through Bizet's iconic compositions.

The album opens with the enchanting "Petite Suite," a delightful arrangement of Bizet's "Jeux d'enfants" for orchestra. This five-movement suite showcases Bizet's playful and inventive spirit, with each piece evoking the charm and innocence of childhood games. From the marching rhythms of "Trompette et tambour" to the whimsical "La Toupie" and the romantic "Petit Mari, Petite Femme," this suite is a delightful prelude to the main event.

The heart of the album lies in Bizet's incidental music for the play "L'arlesienne," a work that has captivated audiences since its premiere. This suite, composed for Alphonse Daudet's play, is a rich tapestry of melodies that evoke the vibrant life and culture of the French region of Arles. The album features the complete incidental music, including the famous "Farandole," a lively dance that brings the suite to a thrilling close.

Conducted by Robert Haydon Clark, the Consort of London delivers a performance that is both technically impressive and deeply expressive. The ensemble's nuanced interpretation brings out the full emotional range of Bizet's music, from the tender melodies of the "Berceuse" to the dramatic intensity of the "Melodramas."

With a total runtime of 52 minutes, this album is a perfect introduction to Bizet's work for those new to classical music, as well as a rewarding listen for seasoned fans. Whether you're drawn to the playful charm of the "Petite Suite" or the dramatic depth of "L'arlesienne," this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that showcases the genius of Georges Bizet.

Georges Bizet, born in Paris in 1838, was a prodigious French composer whose name is forever linked with one of the most beloved operas of all time, "Carmen." His musical journey began at an early age, with his father, a singing teacher, and his mother, a talented pianist, nurturing his gifts. Bizet's precocious talent led him to the Paris Conservatoire at just nine years old, where he composed his Symphony in C Major at the age of 17. Despite facing early setbacks and struggles, Bizet's determination to succeed on the operatic stage led to works like "The Pearl Fishers" and "La Jolie Fille de Perth." However, it was his final opera, "Carmen," that would cement his legacy. Premiering just months before his untimely death in 1875, "Carmen" has since become a staple of the opera repertoire, known for its vivid characters, dramatic plot, and unforgettable music. Bizet's realistic approach to opera influenced the verismo style that followed, making him a pivotal figure in the Romantic era of classical music.