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Brilliant Classics

French Elegy

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Details

Composer
Claude Debussy, Gabriel Faure, Jules Massenet, Maurice Ravel, Camille Saint-Saens, Henri Vieuxtemps
Artist
Roma Tre Orchestra
Format
CD
Label
Brilliant Classics
Released
Feb 07, 2025
Catalog #
BRI97343
UPC
5028421973432

About

Coming into French and English from the Greek elegos ('lament'), an elegy (elegie) is a poetic or musical composition expressing sorrow or lamentation, typically mourning the loss of a loved one or reflecting on themes of grief and melancholy. Massenet's famous 'Clair de lune', presented here in an arrangement by the composer himself, envelops us in a dreamlike atmosphere, with the piano painting a delicate lunar landscape permeated by a subtle melancholy. The original is one of the most touching scenes in the opera Werther, when the protagonist feels his love for Charlotte rising within him. Contrary to popular belief, Ravel's Pavane pour une infante defunte is not dedicated to a departed soul. Rather, it is a nostalgic evocation of an imaginary childhood, rich in charm and mystery. Joseph Jemain's orchestration adds, if possible, further depth and suggestiveness to Ravel's music by introducing the piano into the ensemble, the protagonist of Ravel's original version. The violin and piano engage in a dialogue of deep contemplation in Saint-Saens's elegie in D, Op.143. The poignant melody and refined harmony express feelings of loss and consolation. This very intense and moving piece has secured an important place in the violin repertoire. The cello assumes the role of narrator in Faure's elegie, Op.24 recounting a story of pain and hope with great expressive intensity. A highly lyrical and touching piece, it is distinguished by it's expressive writing and singable melody. Debussy's Suite bergamasque transports us to a world of dreams and suggestions. Through four evocative dances with a Renaissance and Baroque flavour, the orchestra leads us on a musical journey rich in charm and delicacy. Wilhelm Renz's orchestration makes Debussy's picturesque music even more vivid. Renz is also the arranger of the Saint-Saens Carnival of the Animals featured here. His orchestral version adds brilliance and colour to the composer's music while maintaining it's original spirit of fun and irony, streamlining the orchestration in some places and adding elements for a richer, more layered sound in others. Other information: - Recorded August 2023 in Anzio (Italy) - Booklet in English contains liner notes by Valerio Vicari and profiles of the orchestra and conductor - A beautiful program featuring French music from the turn of the 19/20th century, evoking a late-romantic and mildly impressionistic atmosphere in elegiac mood. - The works presented are Elegies by Saint-Saens (1835-1921), Faure (1845-1924), Vieuxtemps (1820-1881) and Massenet (1842-1912), the Suite Bergamasque by Debussy (1862-1918), Pavane by Ravel (1875-1937) and, to conclude in a more spirited mood, the Carnaval des Animaux by Saint-Saens. Several of the works are transcribed for an instrumental ensemble featuring flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, violin, viola, cello & double bass. - Sensuous and evocative performances by the Roma Tre Orchestra, conducted by Sieva Borzak.

Tracklist 24 tracks

  1. 1 Werther, Act I: Clair de lune (arr. for piano) 03:32
    Track
    1
    Title
    Werther, Act I: Clair de lune (arr. for piano)
    Duration
    03:32
    Composer
    Jules Massenet
    Performer
    Beatrice Barison
  2. 2 Pavane pour une infante défunte (arr. J. Jeamia for chamber ensemble) 05:31
    Track
    2
    Title
    Pavane pour une infante défunte (arr. J. Jeamia for chamber ensemble)
    Duration
    05:31
    Composer
    Maurice Ravel
    Performer
    Marta Lorenza Grieco, Lorenzo Rundo, Alessandro Guaitolini, Diego di Paolo, Beatrice Barison
  3. 3 Elégie in D Major, Op. 143 05:36
    Track
    3
    Title
    Elégie in D Major, Op. 143
    Duration
    05:36
    Composer
    Camille Saint-Saëns
    Performer
    Giacomo Sermoneta, Beatrice Barison
  4. 4 Élégie, Op. 24 06:28
    Track
    4
    Title
    Élégie, Op. 24
    Duration
    06:28
    Composer
    Gabriel Fauré
    Performer
    Alessandro Guaitolini, Beatrice Barison
  5. 5 Élégie, Op. 30 07:22
    Track
    5
    Title
    Élégie, Op. 30
    Duration
    07:22
    Composer
    Henri Vieuxtemps
    Performer
    Lorenzo Rundo, Beatrice Barison
  6. 6 Élégie (arr. for violin and piano) 01:46
    Track
    6
    Title
    Élégie (arr. for violin and piano)
    Duration
    01:46
    Composer
    Jules Massenet
    Performer
    Giacomo Sermoneta, Beatrice Barison
  7. 7 I. Prélude 04:29
    Track
    7
    Title
    I. Prélude
    Duration
    04:29
    Composer
    Claude Debussy
    Ensemble
    Roma Tre Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sieva Borzak
  8. 8 II. Menuet 04:24
    Track
    8
    Title
    II. Menuet
    Duration
    04:24
    Composer
    Claude Debussy
    Ensemble
    Roma Tre Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sieva Borzak
  9. 9 III. Clair de lune 05:32
    Track
    9
    Title
    III. Clair de lune
    Duration
    05:32
    Composer
    Claude Debussy
    Ensemble
    Roma Tre Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sieva Borzak
  10. 10 IV. Passepied 04:10
    Track
    10
    Title
    IV. Passepied
    Duration
    04:10
    Composer
    Claude Debussy
    Ensemble
    Roma Tre Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sieva Borzak
  11. 11 I. Introduction et marche royale du lion 01:58
    Track
    11
    Title
    I. Introduction et marche royale du lion
    Duration
    01:58
    Composer
    Camille Saint-Saëns
    Ensemble
    Roma Tre Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sieva Borzak
  12. 12 II. Poules et coqs 00:47
    Track
    12
    Title
    II. Poules et coqs
    Duration
    00:47
    Composer
    Camille Saint-Saëns
    Ensemble
    Roma Tre Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sieva Borzak
  13. 13 III. Hémiones (Animaux véloces) 00:40
    Track
    13
    Title
    III. Hémiones (Animaux véloces)
    Duration
    00:40
    Composer
    Camille Saint-Saëns
    Ensemble
    Roma Tre Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sieva Borzak
  14. 14 IV. Tortues 01:34
    Track
    14
    Title
    IV. Tortues
    Duration
    01:34
    Composer
    Camille Saint-Saëns
    Ensemble
    Roma Tre Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sieva Borzak
  15. 15 V. Éléphant 01:23
    Track
    15
    Title
    V. Éléphant
    Duration
    01:23
    Composer
    Camille Saint-Saëns
    Ensemble
    Roma Tre Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sieva Borzak
  16. 16 VI. Kangourous 00:50
    Track
    16
    Title
    VI. Kangourous
    Duration
    00:50
    Composer
    Camille Saint-Saëns
    Ensemble
    Roma Tre Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sieva Borzak
  17. 17 VII. Aquarium 02:27
    Track
    17
    Title
    VII. Aquarium
    Duration
    02:27
    Composer
    Camille Saint-Saëns
    Ensemble
    Roma Tre Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sieva Borzak
  18. 18 VIII. Personnages à longues oreilles 00:42
    Track
    18
    Title
    VIII. Personnages à longues oreilles
    Duration
    00:42
    Composer
    Camille Saint-Saëns
    Ensemble
    Roma Tre Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sieva Borzak
  19. 19 IX. Le coucou au fond des bois 02:19
    Track
    19
    Title
    IX. Le coucou au fond des bois
    Duration
    02:19
    Composer
    Camille Saint-Saëns
    Ensemble
    Roma Tre Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sieva Borzak
  20. 20 X. Volière 01:20
    Track
    20
    Title
    X. Volière
    Duration
    01:20
    Composer
    Camille Saint-Saëns
    Ensemble
    Roma Tre Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sieva Borzak
  21. 21 XI. Pianistes 01:35
    Track
    21
    Title
    XI. Pianistes
    Duration
    01:35
    Composer
    Camille Saint-Saëns
    Ensemble
    Roma Tre Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sieva Borzak
  22. 22 XII. Fossiles 01:24
    Track
    22
    Title
    XII. Fossiles
    Duration
    01:24
    Composer
    Camille Saint-Saëns
    Ensemble
    Roma Tre Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sieva Borzak
  23. 23 XIII. Cygne 02:49
    Track
    23
    Title
    XIII. Cygne
    Duration
    02:49
    Composer
    Camille Saint-Saëns
    Ensemble
    Roma Tre Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sieva Borzak
  24. 24 XIV. Finale 02:00
    Track
    24
    Title
    XIV. Finale
    Duration
    02:00
    Composer
    Camille Saint-Saëns
    Ensemble
    Roma Tre Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sieva Borzak