Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Albert Roussel with this remarkable album, featuring his Symphony No. 3 in G Minor, Op. 42 and the orchestral suite Bacchus et Ariane, Op. 43. Roussel, a French composer known for his rich, neoclassical style, offers a compelling blend of chamber music and symphonic grandeur that is sure to enthrall classical music enthusiasts.
The album opens with Roussel's Symphony No. 3, a powerful and dynamic work that showcases the composer's mastery of orchestration and form. The four-movement symphony is a journey through a range of emotions, from the energetic and vibrant first movement to the introspective and lyrical second. The third movement is a lively scherzo, while the final movement is a triumphant and exhilarating conclusion.
The second half of the album is devoted to Bacchus et Ariane, an orchestral suite based on the Greek myth of Ariadne and Bacchus. Roussel's vivid and evocative score brings the story to life, with each movement depicting a different scene or character. From the playful and energetic "Game of the young men and maidens" to the dramatic and intense "Theseus and his companions rush upon Bacchus," the suite is a tour de force of orchestral writing.
The album is performed by the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Stephen Gunzenhauser, and recorded in 2007 by Naxos. The sound quality is excellent, with a warm and rich tone that brings out the best in Roussel's music. The album is a must-listen for anyone interested in neoclassical music and the works of Albert Roussel.