Saint-Saëns: Ballet Music from the Opera

 

If I responded rather tepidly to Jun Märkl's program of Orchestral Suites from French composer Camille Saint-Saëns with the Basque Symphony Orchestra (BLOG), I have no such trouble here.

I was utterly charmed from start to finish, with little in the way of weak spots or sagging. Perhaps this is due to the fact I am relatively unfamiliar with the operas of Saint-Saëns. In the end, these orchestral selections from stage works are terrific.

Exoticism is a strong musical theme across these works, no surprise coming from within the opera genre. While such sounds might be expected from ancient Persia in Parysatis, plus all those harps (!), and the biblical tale of Samson and Delilah is pretty familiar territory for the listener, how unexpected to hear Saint-Saëns aping Renaissance Britain in Henry VIII. His musical portrayal is remarkably on point, where melodies and textures combine to make musical delights throughout these works.

Plus, Jun Märkl runs this music with a pert and perky hand. Sure, there is some respectable drama, such as the orchestral buildup in the March to the Synod, but most of this program contains music for dance, so giving way to musical feelings with a strong pulse is important. I don't know this orchestra from The Hague, home of International War Crimes, but I am mightily impressed. They imbue the composer's music with plenty of bright colors and no lack of spirit.

If I was uncertain continuing Jun Märkl's series of Saint-Saëns on Naxos, I have no fears now. Let me at them!

 

 

 

Works
Étienne Marcel (19.10)
Henry VIII (41.00)
Parysatis (8.30)
Samson and Delilah, op. 47 (9.32)

Ensembles
The Hague Resident Orchestra
Jun Märkl, conductor

Label: Naxos
Year: 2022
Total Timing: 78.24

 

 

 

Give me more of this! Perhaps I should be investigating the operas of Saint-Saëns.

For now, I should be happy with these ballet portions, and indeed, happy I am.

Kudos to Märkl at The Hague!

Find more Saint-Saëns recordings HERE!