Jacques Ibert
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Divertissement
Clik here to view.
DivertissementGeorges Bizet
Jeux d´Enfants
Camille Saint-Saens
La Rouet d´Omphale
Danse Macabre
Alexander Borodin
Symphony No. 2
Paris Conservatorie Orchestra
London Symphony Orchestra (Borodin)
Jean Martinon
Decca 1958 (Borodin) and 1960
digital download, cover
digital download, cover
This is a compilation from two original recordings made in 1958 and 1960. The recording quality is excellent, very bright but suiting the program, and full range. The actual performances have extraordinary 'lift' and non more so than the opening Ibert Divertissement. This sense of 'lift' persists throughout the entire program.
The Paris orchestra at the time of this Martinon recording was notoriously difficult to control or train. Many of the key members constantly double-booked themselves for other engagements and frequently sent their deputies in for either concerts or rehearsals. This meant that any conductor rehearsing the orchestra for a concert would never know which of the players in front of him would actually be attending the concert (or recording session). Under these amazing circumstances Martinon still managed to produce a set of electrifying recordings for these two records.
The Ibert item was incidental music for the French farce 'The Italian Straw Hat' and is a very witty piece of work. The performance here is so much better than any other that I have heard that comparison is pointless. The same 'joie de vivre' pervades the following Danse Macabre, Jeux d'enfants and Le Rouet d'Omphale.
This is one of the most outstanding issues in the series of 'The Classic Sound' . (Amazon review)
