Search - Saint-Saens, Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra :: Symphony 3 " Organ "

At this Price you may as well Take My Word For it....

S. Antonio Arch | Toronto & Grand Cayman | 01/23/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Time and time again I have heard music lovers complain that technology does little justice to the art and science of recording great music; that it was done better in the old days when all we had was vinyl and that at least vinyl recorded the warmth and heart along with the performance. Finally, from listening to this recording, I understand what people mean by all of this!I have heard coutless other recordings of this piece of music. I have heard the legend of Charles Dutoit trekking the entire Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal to a church in Ste. Eustache so as to enjoy its near-perfect acoustics and legendary organ. The recording that these sessions yeilded was carried out with the latest in contemporary recording equipment. It does not hold a candle to this recording by the Philadelphia Orchestra. I have heard it described as "banged up" and "scratchy" but I can only describe it as "warm" as if eavesdropping on the rehearsal from just beyond a wooden door. The Analog-to-Digital re-mastering is, in my humble opinion, wonderful, magical and I am all the more thankful that the great E. Power Biggs is a part of the effort. If you decide to own a copy of this symphony, there are countless interpretations, but this is the one to own, and at this price you just can't go wrong. This is the only version that I listen to...the only version that I will listen to."

Must Hear to Believe!!!

S. Antonio Arch | 03/19/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Saint-Saens is without a doubt my favorite composer. He has been since I was eight, I could rave on and on for hours about how wonderful his works are!! It is interesting; he was accused of being stuffy and too conservative and conventional, but in fact he had a great sense of humor and it is exactly his staying with his style of music that makes him so different. This interpretation of the music, especially the Organ symphony, has a haunting and very expressive tone. Some movements sound so full and powerful and gigantic; others are so sweeping and deep that it will move you to tears. And at first I did not like the Bacchanale, but it has grown to be one of my favorite overall works of him. Also Danse Macabre is wonderfull, and the Carnival of the Animals shows the same diversity that the Organ symphony had but with more humorous touches. The Marche Militare is great for any fan of marches, not necessarily Sousa marches. I am least satisfied in interpretation with the Carnival of the Animals; I believe I have heard better, but it may be only a matter of taste. Whether you are just starting in classical music or are an avid fan, this is a great disc to add to your collection."

Beautiful recording with excellent performers

Neera | Renton, WA USA | 02/22/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Saint-Saens has a flare for the ornate without tiring your ear. He describes a scene with sound, painting a picture of skeletons dancing (Danse macabre, inspired by a poem "describing the figure of Death playing the violin in a nocturnally eerie graveyard while skeletons perform a ghostly dance" (Cd booklet)), militia marching proudly, or fish swimming along peacefully in an aquarium. His music is a delight to the ear and the mind.This recording is clear and the music precise. The compilation of works is very desirable - Symphony No. 3 in C minor, Opus 78 "Organ", Bacchanale from Samson et Dalila Opus 47, Marche militaire francaise, Danse macabre Opus 40, and Carnival of the Animals - any fan of classical music should have this CD! To top it off, the list of musicians performing is quite impressive:The Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Eugene Ormandy, performs Symphony No. 3 with Edward Biggs on organ. Bacchanale, Marche Militaire Francaise, and Danse Macabre are also performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra with the same conductor.The Carnival of the Animals is performed chamber-style with: Piano I & Conductor: Philippe Entremont Piano II: Gaby Casadesus Flute: Alain Marion Clarinet: Michel Arrignon Glockenpiel: Michel Cals Xylophone: Michel Cerutti Violin I: Regis Pasquier Violin II: Yan-Pascal Tortelier Viola: Gerard Causse Cello: Yo-Yo Ma Double Bass: Gabin Lauridon"