Camille Saint-Saëns - Symphonies (Jean Martinon)

Information

Composer: Camille Saint-Saëns

CD1:

1. Symphony in A major: I. Poco adagio - Allegro
2. Symphony in A major: II. Andantino
3. Symphony in A major: III. Scherzo. Vivace
4. Symphony in A major: IV. Finale. Allegro molto - Presto
5. Symphony No. 1 in E flat major, Op. 2: I. Adagio - Allegro
6. Symphony No. 1 in E flat major, Op. 2: II. Marche-scherzo. Allegretto scherzando
7. Symphony No. 1 in E flat major, Op. 2: III. Adagio
8. Symphony No. 1 in E flat major, Op. 2: IV. Finale. Allegro maestoso
9. Symphony No. 2 in A minor, Op. 55: I. Allegro marcato
10. Symphony No. 2 in A minor, Op. 55: II. Adagio
11. Symphony No. 2 in A minor, Op. 55: III. Scherzo. Presto
12. Symphony No. 2 in A minor, Op. 55: IV. Prestissimo

CD2:

1. Symphony in F major "Urbs Roma": I. Largo - Allegro
2. Symphony in F major "Urbs Roma": II. Molto vivace
3. Symphony in F major "Urbs Roma": III. Moderato assai senoso
4. Symphony in F major "Urbs Roma": IV. Poco allegretto - Andante con moto
5. Symphony No. 3 in C minor "Organ Symphony", Op. 78: I. Adagio - Allegro moderato - Poco adagio
6. Symphony No. 3 in C minor "Organ Symphony", Op. 78: II. Allegro moderato - Presto - Maestoso - Allegro

Bernard Gavoty, organ (Op. 78)
Orchestre National de l'ORTF
Jean Martinon, conductor
Dates: 1972-1975
Label: EMI

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Review

ARTISTIC QUALITY: 9 / SOUND QUALITY: 7

The symphonies of Saint-Saëns remain sadly neglected, despite the theoretical popularity, on disc at least, of the Third and last–the so-called “Organ” Symphony. All of them deserve at least occasional exposure: they’re at least as interesting as, say, Mendelssohn or Schumann, and the First Symphony, with its sexy slow movement and processional finale (scored for an additional two saxhorns, four bass clarinets, two cornets, four harps, and cymbals) has no peer in the French symphonic literature of mid 19th century (always excepting Berlioz, of course). This classic set has reigned supreme since the day it was completed in 1975, not that there’s been much competition, of course. Nevertheless, Martinon captures the spirit of these works with the same verve, shapeliness of phrase, and idiomatic flair that characterize his famous recordings of Debussy and Ravel. True, the orchestra is good rather than fabulous, and the recording is a bit cavernous in the French style of the day, but given that fact that this set costs little (whether from EMI or MHS) and includes one of the best modern “Organ” Symphonies, what have you got to lose? Go on! Give your collection a little depth.

-- David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday

More reviews:
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2010/Nov10/Saint-Saens_92777.htm
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2011/Jan11/Saint-Saens_6318042.htm
http://www.amazon.com/Saint-Sa%C3%ABns-Five-Symphonies-Camille/dp/B00008PW6G

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Camille Saint-Saëns (9 October 1835 – 16 December 1921) was a French composer, organist, conductor and pianist of the Romantic era. His best-known works include his concertos for violin, piano and cello, his 3rd symphony, Danse macabre and The Carnival of the Animals. Saint-Saëns was a musical prodigy, making his concert debut at the age of ten. He held only one teaching post for less than five years. His students included Gabriel Fauré.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camille_Saint-Sa%C3%ABns

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Jean Martinon (10 January 1910 – 1 March 1976) was a French conductor and composer. He studied at Paris Conservatory with Albert Roussel, Vincent d'Indy and Charles Munch. Among his other compositions are four symphonies, four concertos, additional choral works and chamber music. As a conductor, Martinon's repertoire focused on the works of early twentieth century French and Russian composers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Martinon

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