Milhaud: Les rêves de Jacob & L'homme et son désir

Dive into the captivating world of Darius Milhaud's "Milhaud: Les rêves de Jacob & L'homme et son désir," a neoclassical and chamber music masterpiece released in 1957. This album is a testament to Milhaud's genius, blending intricate compositions with evocative storytelling.

The album is divided into two main suites: "Les rêves de Jacob" and "L'homme et son désir." The former is a choreographic suite for oboe and strings, inspired by the biblical story of Jacob's dreams. It's a journey through four movements, each depicting a different aspect of Jacob's visions, from the angelic ladder to the prophetic dream and the struggle with the angel.

"L'homme et son désir," on the other hand, is a ballet in seven scenes, with a libretto by Paul Claudel. It's a surreal exploration of human desire, featuring an ensemble of vocal and instrumental performers. The suite is a blend of dreamlike imagery and intense passion, from the appearance of the moon to the dance of passion and the reappearance of the woman who entices the man.

Performed by the Ensemble vocal et instrumental Roger-Désormière, with Darius Milhaud himself at the helm, this album is a symphony of sound and storytelling. The performances are nuanced and expressive, bringing Milhaud's compositions to life in a way that is both captivating and thought-provoking.

With a runtime of just over 34 minutes, this album is a concise yet profound exploration of Milhaud's musical style. It's a must-listen for fans of neoclassical and chamber music, and a fascinating introduction to Milhaud's work for those new to his music.