Composed in 1886 (the year of the Symphony No. 3 "Organ"), "Carnival of the Animals" simple "zoological fantasy" for the cellist Lebouc (no, I'm not kidding), has become the work iconic as spontaneously website base quidam evoking the name of Saint-Saëns.
The discography of this symphonic poem is bloated: the memorable failures are sadly outnumbered undeniable successes. This reading led by Charles Dutoit (who gave us splendid piano concertos with Pascal Rogé and Jean-Yves Thibaudet) is miraculous: the fifteen animal paintings follow one another without being heavy and rare, silent movements: what accuracy in "Hens and Roosters ", what sweetness in" The Elephant ", what purity in" Characters long pillows. " The sound of bones cracking of "Fossils" is an aural delight. For a time, "The Swan" do not play the star. ...
In current versions thousand places dominated by stars (Tharaud, Capuçon, ...) or the version with chébran text recited by Smaïn: this partition by Camille Saint-Saëns is certainly popular but why, nowadays, always wanting to do rhyme popular and vulgar?
Supplements, conventional in Saint-Saëns, are noteworthy: the fluidity of the interpretation placed on top of the discography. The only downside is the short time spent on this album: Charles Dutoit has recorded symphonic poems and other openings of Saint-Saëns an additional supplement would have been welcome. But hey, do not spoil our fun.
