Credits:

Schmitt, Florent (1870-1958)

Description:

Florent Schmidt, born into a German-French family, studied under Massenet and Fauré at the Paris Conservatory, and was awarded the Grand Prix de Rome in 1900. His exquisite orchestration, which combines the Impressionist style with the Wagnerian sound that he loved, had a strong influence on later composers. One of his masterpieces, "The Tragedy of Salome" is incidental music dedicated to Stravinsky, which was adapted into a ballet by the Ballets Russes and then revised as an orchestral suite (symphonic poem). The story incorporates episodes from the Old Testament "Sodom and Gomorrah" as well as the New Testament episode of Salome, and ends dramatically with a natural cataclysm caused by the wrath of God. Other pieces include the world premiere recording of "Music on Water," "Legend," in which the saxophone solo in the original piece is replaced by a violin, and a suite from the ballet music "Orianne and the Prince of Love," written at the request of choreographer Ida Rubinstein. Joanne Falletta spins a thick, rich tone from the Buffalo Philharmonic, as she did in her previous work, "Antony and Cleopatra Suite" (8.573521), creating the ideal Schmidt music. Naxos Japan

Tracklisting:

1.La Tragedie de Salome - Symphonic Poem, Op. 50~Part I: Prelude - Danse des Perles
2.La Tragedie de Salome - Symphonic Poem, Op. 50~Part II: Lent - Les Enchantements sur la mer - Danse des eclairs - Danse de l'effroi
3.Musique sur l'eau, Op. 33 (version for voice and orchestra)
4.Oriane et le Prince d'Amour - Suite, Op. 83bis~Calme - Danse d'Amour, Tres Lent - Danse des Mongols, Assez anime - Calme
5.Legende, Op. 66 (version for violin and orchestra)