Delibes: Suites from the Ballets

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of French Romantic ballet with Léo Delibes' "Delibes: Suites from the Ballets." This captivating album, released on October 30, 2020, under the Chandos label, presents a collection of suites from Delibes' most celebrated ballets, "Sylvia," "La Source," and "Coppélia." The album features 32 tracks, spanning a duration of 1 hour and 22 minutes, offering a comprehensive exploration of Delibes' mastery in ballet composition.

Delibes, renowned for his contributions to the ballet and opera genres, showcases his unique musical language and vivid orchestration in this album. The Royal Scottish National Orchestra, under the baton of Neeme Järvi, delivers a performance that is both technically impressive and rich in character. The album's diverse range of musical styles, from fanfares and waltzes to mazurkas and czardas, provides a thrilling journey through the romantic era of ballet.

The album opens with selections from "Sylvia, ou La Nymphe de Diane," a ballet that premiered in 1876. The suite includes a variety of pieces, such as the lively "Les Chasseresses. Fanfare" and the elegant "Valse lente." The album then moves on to "La Source, ou Naïla," featuring tracks like the dynamic "Pas des Violes" and the graceful "Pas de Naïla. Scherzo-Polka."

The album concludes with suites from "Coppélia," Delibes' most famous ballet, which premiered in 1870. This section includes the iconic "Thème slave varié," a theme and variations that showcase Delibes' ability to blend Slavic folk influences with classical ballet music. The album also features the lively "Czardas (Danse hongroise)" and the exhilarating "Galop final."

"Delibes: Suites from the Ballets" is an essential addition to any classical music collection, offering a delightful exploration of Delibes' ballet music. With its engaging performances and diverse range of musical styles, this album is sure to captivate both seasoned classical music enthusiasts and those new to the genre.