Charles Gounod - Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2 (Michel Plasson)

Information

Composer: Charles Gounod

1. Symphony No. 1 in D major: I. Allegro molto
2. Symphony No. 1 in D major: II. Allegro moderato
3. Symphony No. 1 in D major: III. Scherzo. ma non troppo presto
4. Symphony No. 1 in D major: IV. Finale. Adagio - Allegro vivace
5. Symphony No. 2 in E flat major: I. Adagio - Allegro agitato
6. Symphony No. 2 in E flat major: II. Larghetto (non troppo)
7. Symphony No. 2 in E flat major: III. Scherzo. Allegro molto
8. Symphony No. 2 in E flat major: IV. Finale. Allegro leggiero assai

Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse
Michel Plasson, conductor
Date: 1979
Label: EMI

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Review

Though I was well aware that Gounod had written symphonies, I have to confess that this is the first time I am conscious of their having come my way. My ancient edition of Grove dismissed them as "of no importance". That, at least, was a promising indicator, since such words are commonly applied to unpretentious and utterly charming music. Thus it turns out.

The First Symphony has been labelled as the model for the youthful Symphony in C of Bizet, who indeed was encouraged by Gounod himself to accept a commission to arrange the work for piano duet. The similarities of style are certainly striking, and though this was clearly a case of pupil outclassing the master, the Gounod work has plenty to offer in the same captivating style. The Second Symphony is a little weightier, with a solemn opening and a touch of Beethoven to add to the shades of Schubert and Mendelssohn; but the solemnity never lasts for long before the sparkle bursts through again.

Michel Plasson, already noted for his Rachmaninov, Offenbach, Saint-Saëns and Massenet interpretations, now shows a similar feel for Gounod's transparent melodic lines, keeping the music moving along when the shifts of rhythm might in other hands produce a stodgy effect, and making the most of the frequent surges from momentary solemnity to renewed gaiety. His Toulouse orchestra serves him admirably, particularly in the important woodwind contributions. EMI's recording is especially successsful in creating a spacious but crisp sound. Music of no importance it may be, but the record makes a diverting and persuasive case for it.

-- Gramophone [8/1980] Reviewing original LP

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Charles Gounod (17 June 1818 – 17 October or 18 October 1893) was a French composer. Gounod is best known for his operas Faust and Romeo et Juliette and for his Ave Maria (1859). Though his reputation began to fade even before he died, he is still generally regarded as a major figure in nineteenth century French music. Stylistically, he was a conservative whose influence nevertheless extended to Bizet, Saint-Saëns, and Massenet.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Gounod

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Michel Plasson (born 2 October 1933, Paris, France) is a French conductor. Plasson was principal conductor of the Orchestre et Chœurs du Capitole de Toulouse from 1968 to 2003 and now has the title of "Honorary Conductor", or conductor emeritus. Plasson's recordings were mainly made for EMI/Virgin, and focused upon works by French composers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michel_Plasson

http://www.allmusic.com/artist/michel-plasson-mn0000926073/

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