Bizet- Breiner: Carmen Concerto / Granados: Valses Poeticos

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of classical music with Norbert Kraft's captivating album, "Bizet-Breiner: Carmen Concerto / Granados: Valses Poeticos." This exquisite collection, released on February 26, 1998, under the prestigious Naxos label, offers a rich tapestry of orchestral arrangements that showcase the brilliance of two master composers: Georges Bizet and Enrique Granados.

The album begins with Granados' "Valses Poeticos," a series of eight waltzes meticulously arranged for orchestra by Paul Breiner. Each waltz is a distinct journey, from the melodic elegance of "Valse 1. Melodico" to the playful "Valse 4. Allegro humoristico," and the lively "Valse 7. Vivo." The final waltz, "Valse 8. Presto. Andante - Valse 1 da Capo. Melodico," brings the cycle full circle, offering a satisfying conclusion to this poetic dance.

The second half of the album is dedicated to Bizet's "Carmen-Concerto," another orchestral arrangement by Paul Breiner. This four-movement concerto is a vibrant and dynamic exploration of themes from Bizet's famous opera "Carmen." The "Adagio molto. Allegro moderato" opens with a slow, lyrical introduction that builds into a lively allegro. The "Andantino" offers a moment of introspection, while the "Allegro scherzando" and "Allegro giocoso" bring the concerto to a thrilling close.

With a total duration of 1 hour and 5 minutes, this album is a perfect blend of poetic elegance and lively energy. Norbert Kraft's masterful direction brings out the best in these orchestral arrangements, making this a timeless addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you're a longtime fan of Bizet and Granados or a newcomer to their music, this album is sure to delight and inspire.