Credits:

Saint-Saens (1835-1921)

Description:

Saint-Saëns is best known for his symphony No. 3, with its magnificent organ sound, but the rest of his symphonies are rarely heard. In fact, there are only three numbered works; the others are one unnumbered piece, a work for a competition, "Capital of Rome," and two other unfinished works. Symphony No. 1 is an experimental work written at the age of 18, but it is outstanding in its degree of perfection, as he was a precocious talent. The second symphony at the age of 24, when his compositional technique had improved dramatically, is also a work with many highlights. It is a pity that it is rarely performed. Rome, the Capital of the World" is a work written at the age of 21. The final movement is a variation in the passacaglia style, as if anticipating Brahms' Fourth Symphony. The "Symphony in A major," written at the age of 15, is a youthful work with the atmosphere of Mozart and Schubert. The NAXOS catalog covers a wide range of works, but it was not until 2013 that the complete symphonies of Saint-Saëns were added, more than 25 years after the label was founded in 1987. Marc Soustreau, a specialist in French works, was chosen as the conductor. This series omits two unfinished works and includes three symphonic poems and the well-known "Dance of Death. This is an excellent opportunity to enjoy Saint-Saens' orchestral works in depth.Marc Soustreau (1949-) was born in Lyon. After studying trombone and piano, he studied conducting with Manuel Rosenthal, and in 1975 won first prize at the Besançon Conductors' Competition, bringing him to international attention.From 2011 to 2019, he was Principal Conductor of the Malmö Symphony Orchestra, where he also recorded the piano concerto and cello concerto by Saint-Saëns for NAXOS He has also recorded Saint-Saëns' piano concerto and cello concerto for NAXOS. He is especially well known for his French and modern/contemporary music. Naxos Japan

Tracklisting:

1.Symphony No. 1 in E flat major, Op. 2~I. Adagio - Allegro
2.Symphony No. 1 in E flat major, Op. 2~II. Marche-Scherzo: Allegretto scherzando
3.Symphony No. 1 in E flat major, Op. 2~III. Adagio -
4.Symphony No. 1 in E flat major, Op. 2~IV. Allegro maestoso
5.Symphony No. 2 in A minor, Op. 55~I. Allegro marcato - Allegro appassionato
6.Symphony No. 2 in A minor, Op. 55~II. Adagio
7.Symphony No. 2 in A minor, Op. 55~III. Scherzo: Presto
8.Symphony No. 2 in A minor, Op. 55~IV. Prestissimo - Andantino - Tempo I
9.Phaeton - Symphonic Poem, Op. 39