Saint-Saëns, Offenbach

Camille Thomas, the acclaimed cellist, makes her debut on the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label with her album "Saint-Saëns, Offenbach," released on October 6, 2017. This captivating collection of works showcases Thomas's virtuosic talent and deep musicality, featuring a blend of well-known and lesser-heard pieces by the French composers Camille Saint-Saëns and Jacques Offenbach.

The album opens with Saint-Saëns's Concerto for Cello and Orchestra No. 1 in A Minor, a piece that highlights Thomas's technical prowess and expressive range. The suite for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 16b, offers a delightful journey through various moods and styles, from the serene "Prélude" to the lively "Tarantelle." Thomas also presents a unique transcription of the famous "Barcarolle" from Offenbach's "Les Contes d'Hoffmann," arranged for violin, cello, piano, and string ensemble by Aleksandar Sedlar.

One of the standout tracks is the "Introduction, Prière et Boléro" for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 22, which Thomas has revised with Jean-Christophe Keck. The album also includes a bonus track, "Je suis brésilien" from Offenbach's "La vie parisienne," arranged for tenor, cello, and orchestra.

Throughout the album, Thomas is accompanied by the Orchestre National de Lille, conducted by Alexandre Bloch. The performances are rich and nuanced, with Thomas's playing described as "sensuous and full of character" (The Strad). The album's duration is 1 hour and 8 minutes, offering a substantial and engaging listening experience.

"Saint-Saëns, Offenbach" is a testament to Camille Thomas's artistry and her ability to breathe new life into these classic works. Whether you're a longtime fan of classical music or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to impress and delight.