Camille Saint-Saëns: Symphonies 1 & 2

On this CD:

1. Symphony No. 1, in E flat major, Op. 2
Composed by Camille Saint-Saens
Performed by Vienna Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Georges Pretre

2. Symphony No. 2, in A minor, Op. 55
Composed by Camille Saint-Saens
Performed by Vienna Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Georges Pretre

Tracks:

I. Poco Adagio - Allegro Vivace
II. Andantino
III. Scherzo Vivace
IV. Finale: Allegro Molto - Presto
I. Adagio - Allegro
II. Marche - Scherzo: Allegro Scherzando
III. Adagio
IV: Finale: Allegro Maestoso
I. Allegro Marcato - Allegro Appassionato
I. Adagio
III. Scherzo: Presto
IV. Prestissimo

Tracks:

I. Largo - Allegro
II. Molto Vivace
III. Moderato Assai Serioso
IV. Poco Allegretto - Andante Con Moto
I. Adagio - Allegretto Maestoso - Poco Adagio
II. Allegro Moderato - Presto - Maestoso - Piu Allegro

Customer Reviews:

A WONDERFUL RESTORATION TO MY COLLECTION.......2007-07-05

It is so very good to have these Saint Saens' Symphonies back in my collection. I owned these recordings on vinyl years ago and I'm just now getting around to replacing them on CD. I had forgotten how lovely and appealing these works are. Yes, I do find listening to Saint Saens' Symphonies a wonderful musical experience although I do know it's not considered to be too musically "cool" to enjoy the Saint Saens' Symphonies, I really DON'T CARE! This two disc set (each disc running well over 70 minutes) of the Saint Saens' Symphonies is filled with some lovely late romantic charmers--Saint Saens' complete 5 symphonies. They are works that have loads of beautiful melodies and harmonies along with some rather memorable rhythms. They are indeed so very nice to sit down, relax and listen to offering some much needed repose to my soul. .

To me, the 2nd symphony should really be a musical "favorite" in the music halls. That symphony is, to me, so very "French sounding," because, to my ears, it sort of shimmers in a most delightful and lush way reflecting why Saint Saens can be such an enjoyable listening experience. Jean Martinon and the National Orchestra de l'ORTF play, as I remembered, all of these works most splendidly. No, these symphonies ain't Mahler and no they don't require deep serious "brain-cramp" inducing contemplation; however, these symphonies by Camille Saint Saens are a real listening pleasure being so very easy to mentally grasp that I just allowed myself to be swept away in the sheer romantic sounds of the works. I'm so very glad that I finally restored them to my recorded collection.

The most famous of Saint Saens' Symphonies is, of course, the "Organ" Symphony (the third) and it is indeed very exciting with the pipe organ at times full throttle up against a full orchestra at full throttle too

EMI sound engineers have done a great job of capturing the sound of these rather large orchestra works (Symphonies 1-3 plus two un-numbered symphonic works--Symphony in F major "Urbs Roma" and the Symphony in A major.) on disc and most impressively, they did a great job of recording the "Organ" symphony which in other recordings that I've heard, turns out kind of mushy sounding---in this recording it is wonderfully clear and full with a good balance between the organ and the orchestra capturing the extremes in volumes wonderfully including those great "pedal tones" from the organ. The sound is far richer on CD than I remember it being on vinyl. The sound on these CDs certainly belie their age. (The Symphonies were recorded in the mid 1970s)

Of the unnumbered symphonies, I really like the one in A major that was written when Camille was fifteen (15) years old. One hears a lot of Beethoven's influnce in that symphony.

If you enjoy late romantic symphonic works, you really can't go wrong by adding these lush and mentally accessible symphonies to your collection that are performed wonderfully by Martinon and his forces because they truly find a rather "looked down upon" composer at his very compositional peak plus his symphonies are most enjoyable to hear. .

The Other Four Symphonies.......2007-01-17

The word "symphony" comes with a lot of baggage, biases, and expectations. For many, a symphony must follow in the grand tradition of struggle, doubt, and triumph (or doom) that Beethoven instigated, and Mahler propelled into the 20th century. Yet a lighter, though no less important definition of the symphony often gets lost in the process, an elegant, graceful tradition reaching back to Boccherini and Haydn, to say nothing of Mozart. Because of this, the lighter symphonists of the 19th century, great figures like Saint-Saens, Bruch, Glazunov, Kalinnikov, etc., are often dismissed or disparaged. There is very little struggle here, and even less philosophy; they are simply charming works of masterful orchestration and breathtaking melodies. Saint-Saens Five Symphonies are an excellent case in point: each one is vital to understanding the composer's style and development, and each is well-worth getting to know and enjoy over the years.

His first effort, the Symphony in A Major, written as a teenager, is delightful; it is a perfect twin to Bizet's youthful symphony; indeed, you can almost imagine them writing their respective symphonies to complete the same homework assignment. The first movement is wonderful--like one of Mozart's symphony-overtures (No.32, for example). Yet what a leap in maturity we find in the actual Symphony No.1, which is charming, sophisticated, and surprisingly tuneful. If you don't know this piece, and have zero expectations for an unknown Saint-Saens symphony, this piece can bowl you over. It's truly evergreen, and never wears out its welcome.

The following three symphonies, including the very well-known "Organ" symphony are even more mature. Besides the Third Symphony, my favorite is the surprisingly powerful Symphony in F Major, subtitled "Urbs Roma." Saint-Saens withdrew this piece, his true Third Symphony, which is an incredible shame. No symphony without a number will ever really enter orchestral circulation. And what a pity: the first movement surges with Schumanesque power, and the scherzo is phenomenal--what a find! A beautiful slow movement and quicksilver finale rounds out a symphony that I've listened to over and over, and am consistently astonished by. The Second Symphony is his most assured (next to the Third), and is impeccable. Beautiful orchestration, themes, and construction. It's a bit less personal and reserved than the "Urbs Roma" symphony, channeling something of the classical demeanor of his Cello Concerto No.1. The first movement is dark and dramatic (though not in a very brooding way), and is followed by a gentle, almost imperceptible slow movement (again, like the slow movement of the Cello Concerto). A tempestuous scherzo follows, which is enveloped by a romping, cheerful finale with a great tune.

Since it's pointless to gush over the merits of his greatest symphony, I'll stop here. Do get to know these great symphonies of a largely forgotten symphonic master, albeit in the gentler, more lyrical tradition. These works make a great complement to Bruch's Three Symphonies, or Kalinnikov's First and Second, not to mention Bizet's popular work.

A final note: Martinon's conducting is superb, balanced, and heart-warming. He believes in this music and inhabits every bar. He's a wonderful conductor, surprising me here no less than in his great Prokofiev cycle for Vox.

Oh jeez!.......2006-08-26

I wandered over here to this page to see what was up with this wonderful EMI set. I never got around to replacing my LPs. Man, some of the most backhanded compliments ever paid to a major composer!

I disagree. The more I've delved into the music of Camille Saint-Saens the more enjoyment I've gotten from it. Saint-Saens is one of those odd composers--another that immediately comes to mind is Felix Mendelssohn--whose music instantly grabs you, then, if you don't stick with it, the stuff starts sounding lightweight and glib. This means that you're not really penetrating that gleeming surface. Listen deeper and there's stunning craftsmanship holding it all together, craftsmanship that's not trying to draw attention to itself. You may never find Beethoven beneath the stylish suits these two composer's usually wore, but you just might find the shade of Mozart here and there. That's not so bad.

Symphony Three here was a standard for years but not so much any more (French composers of the 19th Century, Berlioz barely excepted, just aren't doing well these days). It's a beautiful and dramatic work, an clear-cut masterpiece, but a tough masterpiece since balancing the orchestra and organ are near impossible tasks for modern engineers (without just faking it and merging two separate recordings). This performance has always been a top choice and it seems far warmer and more "French" than the highly praised Munch, which seems incredible to me as I write this. The Munch is probably better played. By the way, the memorable "big tune" used in the finale was adapted for the movie "Babe." It's kind of a French take on the "Ode to Joy" or the finale of the Brahms 1st.

Of the earlier symphonies, #2 is a genuine standout, very much Saint-Saens and ear catching. The other works vary in quality but have their merits. They're all early works but worth some attention; Saint-Saens always wrote appealing music. For the money this set is worth it for the superb 3 and the best (and one of only a few) #2 recorded.

Pretty.......2006-07-16

This set of symphonies is a nice companion to the EMI / Ciccolini set of piano concerti. None of it is truly essential, but it is pleasant, often well-crafted music, and the 3rd symphony has achieved its measure of popularity. Saint-Saens tends to be dismissed as a lightweight, but as my piano teacher once said when I complained about having to learn S-S - "cheer up, it could be Massenet..."

Saint-Saens neglected synphonies.......2005-10-14

These symphonies are not masterpieces, but are interesting and they deserve to be heard; and this is the only disc that has them all. The "Complete Symphonies Import" CD priced at $36.49 appears to be the exact same recording. The sound is excellent, with a wide dynamic range similar to the Mercury records of the '60s. I really prefer not to have a "blockbuster" recording of the 3rd Symphony, which can be a little too much in the finale.

Saint-Saens: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 3, Violin Concertos Nos. 1 & 3 [Germany]

Average customer rating:

Saint-Saens: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 3, Violin Concertos Nos. 1 & 3 [Germany]
Ricci , Peters , and Philharmonia Hungarica
Manufacturer: Concerto Royale
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00005NUR8
Release Date: 2006-04-27

Tracks:

Introduction And Rondo Capriccioso In A Minor Op.28
Violin Concerto No.1 In A Major Op.20
Caprice Andalous In G Major, Op.122
Violin Concerto No.2 In C Major, Op.58
Havanaise In E Major Op.83
Morceau De Concert In E Minor, Op.62
Phaeton, Op.39
Le Rouet D'omphale, Op.31
Cello Concerto No.2 In D Minor, Op.119
Symphony No.1 In E Flat Major, Op.2
Symphony No.3 In C Minor, Op.78 'Organ Symphony'

Average customer rating:

Orchestral Excerpts for Trombone

Manufacturer: Summit(Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Orchestral Excerpts for Tuba

ASIN: B0000038JF
Release Date: 1994-05-31

Tracks:

Requiem
Hungarian March/Sym Fantastique
Con
Sym No.9
Prld Act III, Lohengrin/Ride Of The Valkyries/Tannhauser Ov
Bolero
Sym No.3
Sym No.3
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Sym No.3
Sym No.6
Firebird Ste/Petrouchka
Russian Easter/Scheherazade
Till Eulenspiegel/Ein Heldenleben/Sprach Zarathustra
Sym No.4 & 7
Mathis Der Maler/Symphonic Metamorphosis

Average customer rating:

Good 2-disc sampler

Symphonies/The Greatest Hits

Manufacturer: Compendia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Symphony No.5: Symphony No. 5 - Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 40: Symphony No. 40 - Molto allegro
Symphony No.5: Symphony No. 5 - Allegro
Symphony No. 104: Symphony No. 104 'London'. Adagio; Alegro
Symphony No. 4: Symphony No. 4, 'Italian'. Allegro vivace
Symphonie Fantastique: Symphonie fantastique - Dream of a Witches' Sabbath {Larghetto; Allegro}
Symphony In C: Symphony In C - Adagio
Symphony No. 3: Symphony No. 3, 'Renish' - Lebhaft
Symphony No. 9: Symphony No. 9, 'Choral' - Finale

Tracks:

Symphony No. 4: Symphony No. 4 - Andate sostenuto - Moderato con anima
Symphony No. 6 'Pathetique': Symphony No. 6, 'Pathetique' - Allegro non grazia
Symphony No. 9, 'From The New World': Symphony No. 9, 'From The New World' - Largo
Symphony No. 4: Symphony No. 4 - Allegro giocoso
Symphony No. 2: Symphony No. 2 - Adagio
Symphony No. 3, 'Organ': Symphony No. 3, 'Organ' - Maestoso; Allegro
Symphony No. 4: Symphony No. 4 - Sehr behaglich

Customer Reviews:

Good 2-disc sampler.......2006-07-08

Many compilations of famous symphonies tend to have 2 - 3 minute samplers of many works; usually by a few authors such as Beethoven, Mozart, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, etc... This set instead has whole movements of 16 different symphonies from composers such as those listed above and other such as Bizet, Berlioz and Mahler. The orchestration is quite nice and the sound is very crisp and clear. The pieces themselves sample the emotional range from dramatic to tragic to lively to slow-paced. The picks include famous ones such as the choral movement of Beethoven's 9th to less well known ones such as Bizet's Symphony in C. Altogether, this set makes for good listening and provides about two hours of good music.

Saint-Saëns: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2 [Hybrid SACD]

Average customer rating:

Glorious Music in Glorious Performances and Glorious Sound

Saint-Saëns: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2 [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: Pentatone
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0009KBMMG
Release Date: 2005-09-20

Customer Reviews:

Glorious Music in Glorious Performances and Glorious Sound.......2005-10-01

[First, a word about the provenance of this recording. Both these symphonies were recorded in 1975 using the then-new quadraphonic system. This CD is from a series of re-issues of quadraphonic recordings from that era, now presented in four-channel SACD. The sound is crystal clear and has a richness that is actually rather astonishing for that era. It is from PentaTone Music, which was founded in 2001 by three former executives of Philips Classics together with Polyhymnia International (the former recording center of Philips Classics). They are to be commended for unearthing and re-releasing this and other quadraphonic releases.]

It has long been fashionable to denigrate the music of Camille Saint-Saëns. He has often been considered a musical genius on the order of Mozart who squandered his talents by producing modest, bland, squeaky-clean music of no great import. Aside from very few works -- the Third Symphony, 'Danse Macabre', 'Carnival of the Animals' (with the ubiquitous 'The Swan'), 'Samson et Dalila,' and perhaps one of the piano concertos -- his voluminous output has fallen into desuetude. But indeed he wrote some glorious music that is not often heard. And here we have two works that deserve to be played at least occasionally.

Saint-Saëns wrote his First Symphony when he was only eighteen and it ranks with other youthful symphonies in the repertoire, like the Bizet 'Symphony in C' or Prokofiev's 'Classical Symphony'. Granted, some of its seams show, but the melodic invention is first-rate, as are the working out (three of the four movements are in sonata form), the rhythmic drive and the inventive (and sometimes amazingly advanced) orchestration. Before playing this CD it had been years since I'd really listened to this symphony and I have to say that its felicities startled me. I'd forgotten how profligate Saint-Saëns was with his materials and I was repeatedly taken by surprise at their richness. The perky main theme of the second movement, the 'March-Scherzo', has been caroming around in my brain for days now. The fugal ending of the finale is completely assured. The Radio Symphony of Frankfurt, under Eliahu Inbal, play the music convincingly. I have to imagine that they had probably not known the work before this 1975 recording but it is clear that it delights them.

The Second Symphony was written six years after the First and Saint-Saëns's development is apparent. It is a more sophisticated and complex work, but the earlier proflicacy of memorable themes is still quite apparent. For me, a high point is the short but moving second movement Adagio (notwithstanding the booklet writer who refers to its 'heavy progress'), then followed by a rhythmically exciting Scherzo. In the finale we are treated to a whirling tarantella (slightly reminiscent of the saltarello finale of Mendelssohn's 'Italian Symphony') with a mysterious, almost diffident lento section just before the whirlwind ending which brings the work to a rousing finish. Again, the Frankfort RSO under Inbal's sensitive leadership shows itself to have been a first-rate ensemble at the time of this recording.

This is a recording to treasure.

Scott Morrison

Saint-Saëns: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 3/Henry the VIII

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Saint-Saëns: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 3/Henry the VIII

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000001KAY
Release Date: 1994-08-22

Average customer rating:

The World's Greatest Symphonies

Manufacturer: Proarte
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000009KW5
Release Date: 1996-03-04

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Classical Clips

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00008FZZC
Release Date: 1992-11-04

The Good Life: The Greatest Classical Symphonies of All Time, Vol. 4

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The Good Life: The Greatest Classical Symphonies of All Time, Vol. 4

Manufacturer: Platinum Disc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD