Milhaud: La Creation Du Monde / Le Boeuf Sur Le Toit / Suite Provencale

Dive into the vibrant and eclectic world of Darius Milhaud with this captivating collection of neoclassical and chamber music pieces. This album, released in 2005 under the Naxos label, showcases Milhaud's distinctive voice and his mastery of diverse musical influences. Spanning a little over an hour, the album features a blend of well-known works and hidden gems that highlight Milhaud's unique compositional style.

The album opens with "La Création du Monde, Op. 81," a groundbreaking ballet score that blends jazz and classical elements, reflecting Milhaud's time in Paris during the 1920s. Following this is "Le Boeuf sur le Toit, Op. 58," a lively and rhythmic piece originally composed as background music for a silent film, showcasing Milhaud's penchant for Latin-American rhythms and infectious melodies.

The "Suite Provençale, Op. 152d" is a delightful suite inspired by the folk music of Milhaud's native Provence. Each of its eight movements offers a distinct mood and tempo, from the animated first movement to the lively final piece. The album also includes "L'homme et son désir, Op. 48," a dramatic and evocative work that explores themes of desire and longing through a series of vivid scenes.

Conducted by Jean-Claude Casadesus and performed by the Lille National Orchestra, this album is a testament to Milhaud's enduring appeal and his significant contributions to 20th-century music. Whether you're a longtime fan of Milhaud or a newcomer to his music, this collection offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.

Darius Milhaud, a titan of 20th-century music, was a French composer, conductor, and educator whose prolific output and innovative spirit have left an indelible mark on classical and jazz music alike. Born in Aix-en-Provence in 1892, Milhaud's compositions are renowned for their polytonality and the influence of jazz and Brazilian rhythms, creating a unique and captivating sound that continues to inspire. As a member of Les Six, a group of forward-thinking French composers, Milhaud pushed the boundaries of musical expression, embracing modernism and neoclassical styles. His extensive catalog, which includes nearly 450 works, spans operas, ballets, orchestral pieces, and chamber music, each piece a testament to his boundless creativity and technical mastery. Milhaud's legacy extends beyond his compositions; he also taught and mentored a generation of influential composers, including Burt Bacharach, Dave Brubeck, and Philip Glass, ensuring his influence would resonate for decades to come. Whether exploring his neoclassical works or his jazz-infused pieces, engaging with Milhaud's music is an adventure into the heart of 20th-century composition.