Le Cid - Scènes Pittoresques - Fremaux - Birmingham Symph Orch Massenet

180g Vinyl LP Reissue Remastered Using Pure Analogue Components Only from the Master Tapes Through To the Cutting Head

Jules Massenet's ballet suite to the four-act opera Le Cid from 1885, which lauds the Spanish heroes in the war against the Moors, consists of a series of traditional dances from various regions of the Iberian Peninsula. Scintillating melodies sparkle with lively motion right from the very first in the series of dances, "Castillane." This is followed by a series of highly contrasted little movements whose characteristics cover a wide range of expression – from crashing and robust in the "Aragonaise," via bright, warbling and whistling in the "Aubade," and on to the symphonic and lyrical "Catalane." The suite is brought to an end with the fresh and joyous "Navarraise" in a short and vibrant Finale.

Massenet's perfected art of orchestration is well demonstrated in the Scènes Pittoresques, which begins with a march-like, processional dance, followed by an "Air de Ballet," a gently swirling movement filled with strains of interweaving woodwinds. After the bell-like, pastoral "Angélus" we hear the rich sound of bold fanfares in a lively final dance entitled "Fête bohème," which is certainly worthy of its name.

This Speakers Corner 180g vinyl LP reissue was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head.

Musicians:
Jules Massenet, composer
Louis Fremaux, conductor
City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra