This groundbreaking CPO recording features the world-premiere recording of the fragment of a Charles Gounod's third symphony. Conductor Oleg Caetani has the great good fortune of being so closely acquainted with the Gounod family that it's members allowed him to use the manuscript of the third symphony for the recording. The present CD of course also includes Gounod's more familiar two symphonies. "In the end these three symphonies profit from the constant contrast between charm and verve, two special French traits that here blend together in a quite theatrical atmosphere." - Oleg Caetani