The French Touch, Vol. 2

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of French classical music with "The French Touch, Vol. 2" by the Orchestre national des Pays de la Loire. Released on December 13, 2010, under the Forlane label, this 52-minute album is a delightful journey through the works of some of France's most celebrated composers.

The album opens with Ambroise Thomas's vibrant "Ouverture de Raymond," setting the stage for a diverse collection of pieces that span from lively marches to serene interludes. Georges Bizet's contributions, including selections from "Jeux d'enfants" and the iconic "Carmen Suite," showcase his mastery of both playful and dramatic compositions. Charles Gounod's "Ballet de Faust" offers a series of elegant and rhythmic movements, while Claude Debussy's "Children's Corner" brings a touch of whimsy with "Golliwogg's Cake-Walk."

Jules Massenet's "Thaïs, la méditation" provides a moment of contemplative beauty, followed by Maurice Ravel's hauntingly beautiful "Pavane pour une infante défunte." Jacques Offenbach's "Bacarolle" from "Les contes d'Hoffmann" adds a touch of romantic charm to the collection. The Orchestre national des Pays de la Loire brings each piece to life with precision and passion, making "The French Touch, Vol. 2" a must-listen for fans of French classical music.