Lalo: Symphony in G Minor / Suites Nos 1 & 2 from ''Namouna'' / etc

 
Lalo: Symphony in G Minor / Suites Nos 1 & 2 from ''Namouna'' / etc cover
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EDOUARD LALO
Lalo: Symphony in G Minor / Suites Nos 1 & 2 from ''Namouna'' / etc
Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, Neeme Järvi

[ Chandos / CD ]

Release Date: Friday 23 February 2024

Lalo considered himself to be first and foremost an opera composer, even though Le Roi d'Ys was his only opera to be performed in his lifetime. He is now best known for his symphonic and chamber music, largely because of the highly political musical establishment in France in his time. The Overture to the opera (which opens this album) is now the best-known music from the piece, which proved a considerable success in France. His ballet Namouna was commissioned by the Paris Opéra and, remarkably, was completed in just four months following extensive delays in agreeing the subject - part of the tales of Casanova. After a successful run of fifteen performances, Lalo parcelled the music up into three 'rhapsodies' for orchestral performance. The first two of these were published as Suites Nos 1 and 2. The third was not published, but the 'Valse de le Cigarette' was later issued separately. Lalo's only surviving Symphony was completed in 1886, but somewhat overshadowed by Saint-Saëns's Organ Symphony (1886) and Franck's Symphony in D minor (1888), but it is a strong work that showcases Lalo's melodic gift and forward-looking harmonic palette.

"… Conductor Neeme Järvi is a trusted guide through the byways of French repertoire, bringing vigorous joie de vivre to the livelier pieces, such as 'Fête foraine', yet sustaining the controlled insouciance of 'Dolce far niente (La Sieste)'. And the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra plays as if this music is firmly in their blood…" BBC Music

"… Neemi Järvi continues to shine a welcome spotlight upon neglected repertoire… [Lalo's Symphony in G minor] It's a fine work … well worth hearing. Thomas Beecham championed it and Järvi takes up Beecham's mantle enthusiastically. The Vivace second movement bubbles along gleefully, there's a wonderful flow to the beautiful Adagio, and the finale brings thing to a vigorous conclusion." Gramophone

"…All the works are played with sensitivity balanced by enthusiasm. The recording is excellent… This is a splendid introduction to the music of Édouard Lalo for those who wish to explore beyond the ubiquitous, brilliant Symphonie espagnole." MusicWeb International

Tracks:

Overture to ''Le Roi d''Ys''
Valse de la cigarette from ''Namouna''
Suite No.1 from ''Namouna''
Suite No.2 from ''Namouna''
Symphony