Search - Camille Saint-Saens, Andrew-John Smith :: Saint-Saëns: Préludes et Fugues; Fantaisies; Marche religieuse; Bénédiction nuptiale; Cyprés

Good French Music

David C. Green | Suwanee, GA USA | 11/16/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Saint-Saens is one of those composers who people tend to know one or two pieces by, and everything else falls through the cracks. In his works, people usually know "Danse macabre", the Organ Symphony, the 1st Cello Concerto, and MAYBE "Carnival of the Animals". After that, it's pretty touch-and-go. Many people are less likely to even be aware of the amount of music he wrote for the organ, but here one gets a fairly good sampling of Saint-Saens's output. Also, to make it better, it's recorded on a French instrument, one on which Saint-Saens himself played during his career. Included here are his op.99 preludes and fugues, as well as his 3 fantaisies and a few standalone works. Also added is "Cypres" from his organ-and-orchestra "Cypres et Lauriers". Though disappointing to not have "Lauriers" added (no orchestra available, I suppose), the collection is exquisite, and Hyperion records it well. You'd be silly to avoid this set, so please consider. Smith's playing is top-notch."