Saint-Saens: Carnaval des animaux; Symphony No. 3

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Saint-Saëns dedicated this Third Symphony to Liszt, the great pianist, and so he decided to include prominent keyboard parts in the work. Not only does it use an organ in the second and fourth movements, but there's also a prominent part for piano, sometimes for two players. Eugene Ormandy's is one of the four really great recordings of the work--both interpretively and sonically. It's also combined with spectacular performances of the sexy "Bacchanale" from Samson and Dalilah as well as the famous "Danse Macabre." With the chamber version of Carnaval thrown it, this is a fantastic bargain at budget price. --David Hurwitz

Tracks:

Symphony No. 3 In C Minor ' Organ': I Adagio - Allegro moderato
Symphony No. 3 In C Minor ' Organ': Poco adagio
Symphony No. 3 In C Minor ' Organ': II Allegro moderato - Presto
Symphony No. 3 In C Minor ' Organ': Maestoso - Allegro
The Carnaval Of The Animals: Introduction et marche royale du Lion
The Carnaval Of The Animals: Poules et coqs
The Carnaval Of The Animals: Hones
The Carnaval Of The Animals: Tortues
The Carnaval Of The Animals: L'Elant
The Carnaval Of The Animals: Kangourous
The Carnaval Of The Animals: Aquarium
The Carnaval Of The Animals: Personnages ongues oreilles
The Carnaval Of The Animals: Le Coucou au fond des bois
The Carnaval Of The Animals: Voli
The Carnaval Of The Animals: Pianistes
The Carnaval Of The Animals: Fossiles
The Carnaval Of The Animals: Le Cygne
The Carnaval Of The Animals: Finale

Customer Reviews:

Save your money and get the Levine / Preston recording.......2004-02-23

This is truly the worst recordings I've ever heard of the Saint-Saens 3rd symphony. It sounds like the orchestra and organ parts were recorded during different studio sessions and matched in post processing. The organ part was clearly recorded on a instrument of German influence and is all wrong for this French Romantic era symphony. Also its obvious that the organ part was boosted during post processing because there's no way that the registrations the organist is using in the recording would carry over a full orchestra in real life.

The Carnival of the animals is ok. Although at times the piano drowns out the other insturments. Again, bad post-processing.

I wonder how the people who produced this recording are able to sleep at night.

A Sleeping Tiger Awakens!.......2003-12-10

This is a a truly remarkable recording of the Saint-Saens 3rd. It has been described that the organ's first appearance in this symphony, is of a quiet, behind the scenes, gently supportive, cat-napping tiger. Only after the increasingly rousing 2nd half, does the tiger fully awaken with a pounce that lands it directly front and center, and snarling! The tiger now leaps, blazing forth in great prominence, headlong into the finale. Man, that is one THUNDEROUS C major chord that opens the Maestoso-Allegro! You better be holding on to your hat! Really, though, I have heard maybe one other recording that tops this for having every bit just perfect--and that was Charles Munch in Boston, recorded in 1959. But Dutoit and Hurford should snag all the praise they can get for this sonically resplendent recording. Saint-Saens did some of his absolute best orchestral writing in this 3rd (his last) symphony. You will be moved by the quiet, poetic strings and soft, sustained organ pedal notes in the first half. You will be launched, with gooseflesh, right out of your chair during the finale, and you will be in love with this Gallic beauty.

Grandeur.......2001-04-13

Saint-Saens' Symphony #3, especially the first four movements (op. 78), truly resounds the grandeur of France. The fourth piece, Sym No.3 in c, 'Organ' Op.78: Maestoso-Allegro, was played during London's grandest World's Exposition in 1900, complete with cathedral pipe organ and full grand paino. This was written at a time when Europe had not yet lost its wondrous magic to existentialism and the industrial machine. Its a beautiful composition that holds in it the glory and genius of the Fin de Siecle spirit. This recording on the London label is the best I've yet to hear, and its tenor recalls the age of giants- of Hugo, Napoleon, and Europe's great flowering World's Expostitions. So refreshing to hear in our troubling modern time. Ecoutez soigneusement, pour c'est le grandeur!

An essential interpretation for lovers of this symphony . ........1999-08-09

On the whole, Dutoit's is a more satisfying performance than Levine's-- In Dutoit's hands, the slow movement,especially, is overpowering, like a gentle, cool wave of fresh water washing over the body, only this music reels in the spirit as well. Levine's charged approach in the outer movements works well-- the Berlin gets to unleash their brass to full effect-- but the slow movement lacks the magic present in the Dutoit. Dutoit's is a very French performance-- sparkling, smooth as silk, Romantic . . . And what attention to detail--what a glorious acoustic! I reveled in the cymbal crashes and piano flourishes, captured here with great clarity. The "Carnival of the Animals" is played with great charm, but there are better accounts, especially the Previn/ Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (Philips).

Saint-Saens: Carnaval des animaux; Symphony No. 3

Average customer rating:

exceleent
Apoteosis musical e infantil aventura...
Carnival of the Animals and more
Good but not great Organ Symphony
Whimsical music, expertly performed!

Saint-Saens: Carnaval des animaux; Symphony No. 3

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000027OJ
Release Date: 1992-01-03

Tracks:

Symphony No.3 In C Minor, Op. 78 'Organ': l. Adagio -
Symphony No.3 In C Minor, Op. 78 'Organ': Allegro Moderato
Symphony No.3 In C Minor, Op. 78 'Organ': Poco Adagio
Symphony No.3 In C Minor, Op. 78 'Organ': ll. Allegro Moderato -
Symphony No.3 In C Minor, Op. 78 'Organ': Presto -
Symphony No.3 In C Minor, Op. 78 'Organ': Maestoso -
Symphony No.3 In C Minor, Op. 78 'Organ': Allegro
Samson et Delilah, Op 47: Bacchanale
Suite algerienne, Op. 60: Marche Militaire Francaise
Danse macabre, Op 40
'Carnival Of The Animals': No 1 Introduction And Royal March Of The Lion
'Carnival Of The Animals': No 2 Hens and Cocks
'Carnival Of The Animals': No 3 Wild Asses
'Carnival Of The Animals': No 4 Tortoises
'Carnival Of The Animals': No 5 The Elephant
'Carnival Of The Animals': No 6 Kangaroos
'Carnival Of The Animals': No 7 Aquarium
'Carnival Of The Animals': No 8 Personages With Long Ears
'Carnival Of The Animals': No 9 The Cuckoo In The Heart Of The Woods
'Carnival Of The Animals': No 10 Aviary
'Carnival Of The Animals': No 11 Pianists
'Carnival Of The Animals': No 12 Fossils
'Carnival Of The Animals': No 13 The Swan
'Carnival Of The Animals': No 14 Finale

Amazon.com

Saint-Saëns dedicated this Third Symphony to Liszt, the great pianist, and so he decided to include prominent keyboard parts in the work. Not only does it use an organ in the second and fourth movements, but there's also a prominent part for piano, sometimes for two players. Eugene Ormandy's is one of the four really great recordings of the work--both interpretively and sonically. It's also combined with spectacular performances of the sexy "Bacchanale" from Samson and Dalilah as well as the famous "Danse Macabre." With the chamber version of Carnaval thrown it, this is a fantastic bargain at budget price. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

exceleent .......2005-12-23

true excelence on this cd. Classical music does not always have to be full of enigma. That is what is shown here. Danse macabre is not very original. It has some eastern feel. It is a interesting piece. Did i mention the good sound quality?

Apoteosis musical e infantil aventura..........2005-01-14

Dos obras distintas, muy lejanas, unidas por la genialidad de un frances que demostro que todo no estaba escrito (o compuesto aun).
El carnaval de los animales una genial obra destinada a ser una introduccion a la musica selecta de los niños es entretenida, didactica y mas extraordinaria de lo que puede esperarse, instrumentos que se convierten en animales en una zoologica suite son increibles. La interpretacion esta a cargo de Philippe Entremont and ensemble, casi un grupo de amigos reunidos para hacernos disfrutar de musica alegre y original, sorprendente, entre otros forman el grupo Gaby Cassadesus, Yo Yo ma, Yan Pascal Tortellier, el xilofonista Michel Cerutti y por cierto el genial pianista Philippe Entremont.
La otra parte del CD la incluye un grupo de obras sinfonicas magnificentes Bacchanale de Sanson y Dalila, la marcha militar francesa, una extraordinaria Dansa Macabra y la espectacular Sinfonia con Organo. Todo este grupo de obras esta a cargo de Eugene Ormandy y la orquesta de Filadelfia en interpretaciones sin comparacion, cercanos a la perfeccion, vientos, cuerdas y percusion sin igual. Para la sinfonia el portentoso E. Power Biggs (quien hizo otra grabacion de esta sinfonia junto a Ormandy) hace del instrumento casi barroco un solista estremecedor.
Disfruten de un Cd que es generoso en variedad y en calidad interpretativa, sin igual, imperdible.

Carnival of the Animals and more.......2002-12-28

Like some other people, I bought this album with an eye towards having a complete version of Saint-Saens' wonderful "Carnival of the Animals".

But I was favorably impressed by the playing of E Power Biggs on the Organ parts of Saint-Saens' "Symphony #3". His playing was masterful, to say the least, and it was not overpowered by the backing of the Philadelphia Orchestra under the baton of Eugene Ormandy.

The additional features of the Bacchanale (from Saint-Saens' "Samson and Dalila"), the French Military March, and the "Danse Macabre" only add to the luster of this fine CD. The Bacchanale only whets my appetite for a complete copy of "Samson and Dalila". The "Marche Militaire Francaise" makes me want to hear the remainder of "Suite Algerienne". And the "Danse Macabre" makes a wonderful prelude to "Carnival of the Animals".

Those who do not have a complete copy of "Carnival of the Animals", one of Saint-Saens' most recognizable pieces, will not go wrong by selecting this to add to their library of Classical music. Even those who have other versions of "Carnival" will be pleased by the other selections on this CD. 75 minutes of pure power and pleasure.

Good but not great Organ Symphony.......2002-12-16

Although this interpretation of the Organ Symphony delivers for the most part - delicate when needed, intense to contrast - I find that the tempo in the finale is much too quick, and races through what should be so much more grandiose. Also, the poor recording of the timpani (sounds at times like it was in another room) is especially disappointing as the last few bars sail by. A good disc for its coverage of Saint-Saens' repertoire, but the end of the Organ Symphony leaves one disappointed.

Whimsical music, expertly performed!.......2002-09-30

A must-have for any classical lover or anyone who wants a broader appreciation of music. A delight to listen to, especially as arranged and performed by these excellent musicians.

Saint-Saens: Carnaval des animaux, zoological fantasy No1-14; Symphony No3

Average customer rating:

Saint-Saens: Carnaval des animaux, zoological fantasy No1-14; Symphony No3

Manufacturer: Teldec
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000006CRZ
Release Date: 1998-03-17

Tracks:

The Carnival Of The Animals: Introduction And March Of The Lion
The Carnival Of The Animals: Hens And Cockerels
The Carnival Of The Animals: Wildasses
The Carnival Of The Animals: Tortoises
The Carnival Of The Animals: The Elephant
The Carnival Of The Animals: Kangaroos
The Carnival Of The Animals: Aquarium
The Carnival Of The Animals: People With Long Ears
The Carnival Of The Animals: The Cuckoo In The Middle Of The Wood
The Carnival Of The Animals: Aviary
The Carnival Of The Animals: Pianists
The Carnival Of The Animals: Fossils
The Carnival Of The Animals: The Swan
The Carnival Of The Animals: Finale
Havanaise, Op. 83
Introduction And Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 28 For Violin And Orchestra
Concerto No. 3, Op. 61 In B Minor: Allegro non troppo
Concerto No. 3, Op. 61 In B Minor: Andantino quasi allegretto
Concerto No. 3, Op. 61 In B Minor: Molto moderato e maestoso - Allegro non troppo

Tracks:

Symphony No. 3, Op. 78 'Organ' In C Minor: Adagio - Poco adagio
Symphony No. 3, Op. 78 'Organ' In C Minor: Allegro moderato
Symphony No. 3, Op. 78 'Organ' In C Minor: Maestoso
Danse Macabre, op. 40
Concerto No. 2, Op. 22 For Piano And Orchestra In G Minor: Andante sostenuto
Concerto No. 2, Op. 22 For Piano And Orchestra In G Minor: Allegro scherzando
Concerto No. 2, Op. 22 For Piano And Orchestra In G Minor: Presto

Saint-Saëns: Symphony No.3/Le Carnaval Des Animaux/Cypress et Lauriers

Average customer rating:

Review from Hi-Fi News & Record Review October 1996
Review from Gramophone March 1996

Saint-Saëns: Symphony No.3/Le Carnaval Des Animaux/Cypress et Lauriers

Manufacturer: Innov. Music Prod.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000C3P1
Release Date: 1998-01-02

Tracks:

Sym No.3 in c, 'Organ' Op.78: Adagio - Allegro Moderato
Sym No.3 in c, 'Organ' Op.78: Poco Adagio
Sym No.3 in c, 'Organ' Op.78: Allegro Moderato
Sym No.3 in c, 'Organ' Op.78: Maestoso - Allegro
Le Carnaval Des Animaux: Intro Et Marche Royale Du Lion
Le Carnaval Des Animaux: Poules Et Coqs
Le Carnaval Des Animaux: Hemiones
Le Carnaval Des Animaux: Tortues
Le Carnaval Des Animaux: L' Elephant
Le Carnaval Des Animaux: Kangourous
Le Carnaval Des Animaux: Aquarium
Le Carnaval Des Animaux: Personnages A Longues Oreilles
Le Carnaval Des Animaux: Le Coucou Au Fond Des Bois
Le Carnaval Des Animaux: Voliere
Le Carnaval Des Animaux: Pianistes
Le Carnaval Des Animaux: Fossiles
Le Carnaval Des Animaux: Le Cygne
Le Carnaval Des Animaux: Le Final
Cypres Et Lauriers, Op.156: Cypres: Poco Adagio
Cypres Et Lauriers, Op.156: Cypres: Lauriers: Allegro Ma Non Troppo

Customer Reviews:

Review from Hi-Fi News & Record Review October 1996.......2000-04-20

At last, a performance of Saint-Saëns's 'Organ Symphony' fit to stand alongside those of Munch (New York Philharmonic or Boston SO), Paray and the Detroit Symphony, or Toscanini with the NBC. . . Under Djong Victorin Yu the work is played straight for all it is worth, the exultant glories of Nicholas Kynaston's organ playing blending with the enviable and immediately identifiable tonal sheen that the Philharmonia has retained right to its 50th year. For once the ending of the work is not slowed down for effect. And doesn't it sound good!

Carnival of the Animals is memorable on several counts: the unanimity of ensemble between the orchestra and the two remarkable young pianists (Youngho and Jinho Kim); the inclusion of a glass harmonica (Alasdair Malloy) in 'Aquarium', giving the effect of an underwater dreamworld; and the majestic use of the whole doublebass section in 'Elephant'. . .

The fabulous recording, made at the Royal Festival Hall by Jonathan Wearn, captures all the excitement and all the colours with sparkling clarity and immediacy. You can't get better than this.

Review from Gramophone March 1996.......2000-04-20

Few pieces of music in the history of the gramophone can have suffered such indignities at the hands of insensitive record producers as Saint-Saëns's Third Symphony. A glance through the catalogues might suggest one is spoiled for choice, but to date I have only found two recordings which do full justice to the work. Now here's a third, although altogether different. . . this is a recording which not only deserves repeated listening but positively demands it. Yu reveals just what a magnificent piece of music this is; shorn of its customary sonic spectacle the brilliant craftsmanship of Saint-Saëns's writing is displayed in unimpeded glory. . .