Immerse yourself in the rich, romantic compositions of Camille Saint-Saëns with this captivating album, released on April 26, 2019, under the Signum-Cala label. This collection showcases the French master's diverse talents, featuring a blend of orchestral and choral works that highlight his distinctive style and innovative use of the organ.
The album opens with the enchanting "La Princesse Jaune, Op. 30: Overture," a piece that draws inspiration from Japanese music and offers a delightful blend of exoticism and classicism. Following this is Saint-Saëns' profound "Requiem, Op. 54," a work that deviates from the traditional requiem format, omitting the "Tuba mirum" and "Communio" sections. Instead, it features a striking "Hostias" and a powerful "Lux aeterna" for solo piano, creating a deeply moving and introspective experience.
The album concludes with the magnificent "Symphony No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 78," also known as the "Organ Symphony." This groundbreaking work is one of the first symphonies to incorporate the organ as a solo instrument, showcasing Saint-Saëns' mastery of orchestration and his ability to push musical boundaries. The London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Geoffrey Simon, delivers a powerful and nuanced performance throughout, with James O'Donnell providing exquisite organ accompaniment.
With a total runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes, this album offers a comprehensive exploration of Saint-Saëns' musical genius, making it an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you're a longtime fan of Saint-Saëns or a newcomer to his work, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
(C) 2019 Signum Records
Tracks
La Princesse Jaune, Op. 30: OvertureCamille Saint-Saëns, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Geoffrey Simon
Requiem, Op. 54: I. Requiem & KyrieCamille Saint-Saëns, Tinuke Olafimihan, Catherine Wyn-Rogers, Anthony Roden, Simon Kirkbride, James O'Donnell, Geoffrey Simon, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Requiem, Op. 54: II. Dies IraeCamille Saint-Saëns, Tinuke Olafimihan, Catherine Wyn-Rogers, Anthony Roden, Simon Kirkbride, James O'Donnell, Geoffrey Simon, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Requiem, Op. 54: III. Rex TremendaeCamille Saint-Saëns, Tinuke Olafimihan, Catherine Wyn-Rogers, Anthony Roden, Simon Kirkbride, James O'Donnell, Geoffrey Simon, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Requiem, Op. 54: IV. Oro SupplexCamille Saint-Saëns, Tinuke Olafimihan, Catherine Wyn-Rogers, Anthony Roden, Simon Kirkbride, James O'Donnell, Geoffrey Simon, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Requiem, Op. 54: V. HostiasCamille Saint-Saëns, James O'Donnell, Geoffrey Simon, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Requiem, Op. 54: VI. SanctusCamille Saint-Saëns, James O'Donnell, Geoffrey Simon, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Requiem, Op. 54: VII. BenedictusCamille Saint-Saëns, Tinuke Olafimihan, Catherine Wyn-Rogers, Anthony Roden, Simon Kirkbride, James O'Donnell, Geoffrey Simon, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Requiem, Op. 54: VIII. Agnus DeiCamille Saint-Saëns, Tinuke Olafimihan, Catherine Wyn-Rogers, Anthony Roden, Simon Kirkbride, James O'Donnell, Geoffrey Simon, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 78 'Organ Symphony': I. Adagio - AllegroCamille Saint-Saëns, James O'Donnell, Geoffrey Simon, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 78 'Organ Symphony': II. AdagioCamille Saint-Saëns, James O'Donnell, Geoffrey Simon, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 78 'Organ Symphony': III. AllegroCamille Saint-Saëns, James O'Donnell, Geoffrey Simon, London Philharmonic Orchestra
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