Feeling Witchy?

 

This cover should accommodate.

I think the cover would be better without the cartoon witch on it, but maybe there are sales numbers behind her appearance.

Regardless, this is a splendid recording of Paul Dukas' most famous orchestral works.

The last I heard any of these works was from Jesús López-Cobos on Telarc in this exact same program. That recording, from a US orchestra, was accused of being rather blatant and insensitive, so what do we have here?

Well, a very refined The Sorcerer's Apprentice to start off. This will not please everyone, for the eruption of chaos will not be as big or as characterful enough for some. This doesn't bother me really, for quality music making comes in many different forms. Plus, the other two works are bigger fare here.

In listening again, Dukas' method of composition seems to represent a coming together of French Romanticism and French Impressionism. Generally speaking, I am less engaged with the modernistic aspects of Impressionism, and prefer the Romanticism. This marriage Dukas gives his music allows me to enjoy both together, plus there are hues taken from turn-of-the-century Russian composers, creating a very colorful orchestral palate indeed.

The 18-minute ballet La Péri leans more towards Impressionism, with its interesting shifts of chords and harmonies, and delicately perfumed airiness permeating the score. French conductor Jean-Luc Tingaud brings me the closest to enjoying this piece, which meanders and wafts in lesser hands. His is a beautiful portrayal, even if it times faster than other recordings. Of course, the opening fanfare is always a treat, although the bass line is a little thin here.

The meatiest work here is Dukas' Symphony in C Major, and it is a composition I have enjoyed many times over. Its extrovert outer movements (of three) are easy crowd pleasers, showcasing Dukas' Romantic tendencies, ala Saint-Saëns. Yet, its interior movement is as heavily perfumed as La Péri, and is often too overlong and dragging for its own good. In this recording, I am much more convinced, where Tingaud is effectively elastic with the tempo, dynamic, and general movement, much to my pleasure.

Really, this a delightful recording all around. I am quite impressed by the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, who I particularly laud for their silvery trumpet sound, but the orchestra is excellent top to bottom.

Listen on YouTube

Works
Sorcerer's Apprentice (10.52)
La Peri (17.55)
Symphony in C (40.51)

Ensemble
RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra
Jean-Luc Tingaud, conductor

Label: Naxos
Year: 2014
Total Timing: 71.46

Most would point to the classic Martinon in this literature first, but this Naxos recording is a first-class performance all around.

Best yet for this listener, Tingaud makes a strong case for La Péri and the center movement of Symphony in C Major, two I have had trouble getting into in the past.

Now, I just have to deal with the Witchy Woman on the cover.

Find more Dukas recordings HERE!