Saint-Saens, C.: Symphony No. 2 / Cello Concerto No. 2 / Suite, Op. 49

Albumbeschreibung

When thinking of Camille Saint-Saëns, two of his most famous works that are likely to come to mind are the Third "Organ" Symphony and the First Cello Concerto. This album, however, provides the next-door neighbors to these two great works: the Second Symphony and the Second Cello Concerto, neither of which have achieved widespread popularity or performance. The Second Symphony is certainly not as intricate or refined as the Third, and in some ways the composition belies the composer's young age -- only 24. Although there is a substantial amount of counterpoint owing to Saint-Saëns' appreciation for Bach, there's also a lot of pure imitation and part doubling. As for the cello concerto, its reduced popularity comes for the opposite reasons. While the Second Symphony is less elaborate than the Third, the Second Cello Concerto ran into trouble because it is so much more difficult than the First. The Orchestre de Bretagne does little to endear either of these works to listeners. The overall sound quality in the symphony is rather thin and anemic. The unity as an ensemble is also problematic, with downbeats occurring more like a rolled chord on a piano rather than a single, decisive entrance. With difficulty of a piece no longer an excuse for modern performers, cellist Jerome Pernoo's performance of the Second Concerto is equally lackluster. His sound is a little on the thin side, but generally clear and singing in long, melodic lines. When rapid, technically demanding passagework comes into play, however, it becomes difficult to hear every note as they run together.

© TiVo

Details of original recording : 60:28 - DDD - Enregistré à Rennes en septembre 2006 - Notes en français et anglais