Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Albert Roussel with this captivating collection of his seminal ballet works, "Bacchus et Ariane" and "Le Festin de l'Araignée." Released in 1996, this album showcases Roussel's mastery of neoclassical and chamber music styles, offering a rich and vibrant listening experience.
"Bacchus et Ariane," composed in 1930, is a stunning ballet that tells the tale of the abduction of Ariane by the god Bacchus and their subsequent love story. This two-act ballet is a testament to Roussel's maturity as a composer, featuring a dynamic rhythm, angular writing, and a sometimes dissonant tonality that sets it apart from other works of its time. The ballet is divided into two acts, each filled with vivid scenes and dramatic moments that bring the story to life.
"Le Festin de l'Araignée," composed earlier in 1913, is a whimsical and intricate ballet that revolves around the life of a spider and its interactions with other insects. This ballet is a delightful exploration of nature, filled with vivid imagery and playful rhythms. The work is divided into 28 short scenes, each depicting a different moment in the spider's day, from the entrance of various insects to the spider's eventual feast.
This album, recorded by the BBC Philharmonic under the baton of Yan Pascal Tortelier, offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Roussel's balletic genius. The performances are vivid and dynamic, bringing out the full richness of Roussel's orchestration and the vivid imagery of his compositions. Whether you're a longtime fan of Roussel or a newcomer to his music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire. The album features a total of 52 tracks, spanning a duration of 1 hour and 5 minutes, providing a comprehensive journey through Roussel's balletic masterpieces.
Albert Roussel, born in Tourcoing, France, in 1869, was a composer whose journey into music was as unconventional as his compositions were captivating. Initially drawn to mathematics and serving as a midshipman in the French navy for seven years, Roussel's life took a dramatic turn when he decided to pursue music as an adult. His early works bear the influence of Impressionism, reflecting the styles of Debussy and Ravel, while his later compositions embraced neoclassicism, showcasing his versatility and evolution as an artist.
Roussel's travels in Southeast Asia during his naval days left a lasting impression on him, inspiring exotic and mythological themes that permeate his music. His compositions, which include ballets, symphonies, chamber music, and songs, are renowned for their lyrical fervor, technical austerity, and harmonic audacity. Unlike the more ethereal sounds of his contemporaries, Roussel's music is often described as rugged and earthy, with a distinctive, spiky dissonance.
Despite starting his musical studies at the age of 38, Roussel's solid craftsmanship and unique personal style quickly established him as one of the most original and prominent French composers of the interwar period. He taught notable students such as Erik Satie and Edgard Varèse, further cementing his influence on the musical landscape of his time. Roussel's legacy endures, making him a pivotal figure in early 20th-century French music.
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