Sir Neville Marriner, the renowned conductor, invites you to explore a rich tapestry of classical orchestral masterpieces with his latest album, "Favourite Orchestral Pieces: Bizet, Massenet, Offenbach, Tchaikovsky...". Released on March 20, 2024, under the prestigious Warner Classics label, this collection brings together 16 enchanting compositions that span a variety of moods and styles, showcasing the brilliance of some of the most celebrated composers in history.
The album opens with a suite from Bizet's iconic opera "Carmen," featuring the vibrant "Prélude" and the lively "Aragonaise," among other selections. It then weaves through Tchaikovsky's evocative "The Seasons" and the elegant "Polonaise" from "Eugene Onegin," offering a glimpse into the composer's emotional depth and musical ingenuity. Massenet's meditative "Méditation" from "Thaïs" and Offenbach's enchanting "Barcarolle" from "Les contes d'Hoffmann" add a touch of romance and drama, while Rimsky-Korsakov's "The Flight of the Bumblebee" injects a sense of playful energy.
Sir Neville Marriner's expert conducting brings out the nuances and subtleties of each piece, making this album a true celebration of orchestral artistry. The album's duration of 1 hour and 2 minutes ensures a satisfying and immersive listening experience, perfect for both casual listeners and classical music enthusiasts. Whether you're a longtime fan of Sir Neville Marriner or new to his work, this album is a delightful addition to any classical music collection.
Offenbach: Les contes d'Hoffmann, Act 4: Barcarolle. "Belle nuit, ô nuit d'amour" (Instrumental Version)Jacques Offenbach, Radio-Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart, Sir Neville Marriner
Massenet: Thaïs, Act 2: MéditationJules Massenet, Radio-Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart, Sir Neville Marriner, Hans Kalafusz
Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker, Op. 71, Act 2: No. 13, Waltz of the FlowersPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Radio-Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart, Sir Neville Marriner
Rimsky-Korsakov: The Tale of Tsar Saltan, Act 3: The Flight of the BumblebeeNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Radio-Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart, Sir Neville Marriner
Gounod: Faust, Act 1: Valse. "Ainsi que la brise légère" (Instrumental Version)Charles Gounod, Radio-Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart, Sir Neville Marriner
Godard: Jocelyn, Op. 100, Act 1: Berceuse. "Oh ! Ne t'éveille pas encore" (Instrumental Version)Benjamin Godard, Radio-Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart, Sir Neville Marriner
Handel: Der Messias, HWV 56, Pt. 1: Pastoralsinfonie "Pifa"George Frideric Handel, Radio-Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart, Sir Neville Marriner