Search - Dutoit, Dukas, Chabrier :: Fete Francaise

Superb froth with Dutoit and Montreal at their peak

Bruce Hodges | New York, NY | 04/28/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This giddy bunch of small works is a total delight from beginning to end, and incidentally shows off the remarkable chemistry when Charles Dutoit was at his best with the wonderful Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal. My favorites are a smashing "Espana" served up with great elegance, and the "Air et Danse Bacchanale" from Saint-Saens' "Samson et Dalila" which certainly ups the temperature. The last track is a riotous reading of Ibert's fizzy "Divertissement," complete with its police whistle finale.



In between are some languid Satie "Gymnopedies" as well as a sparkling "Sorcerer's Apprentice" by Dukas, and another Chabrier: the stately but playful "Joyeuse Marche." Bizet's "Jeux de enfants" and Thomas' overture to "Raymond" fill out a very generous disc.



Throught the recording Dutoit displays an uncanny knack for the soul of these works -- many of them in a "light" vein but thoroughly entertaining. Sometimes when I've had my fill of Mahlerian angst, a few tracks from this CD are the perfect palate cleanser. The orchestra sounds for all the world like "the best French ensemble on the planet," and Decca has matched all this with a brilliantly clear recording.



I've had this since it first appeared and have never grown weary of it."

A delightful French Mix

Biblibio | 09/19/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Fete a la Francaise" - indeed, what an appropriate title! This is a delightful, enjoyable CD, full of the most fun French pieces, played wonderfully by a great orchestra.



There are all of the songs you'd expect, from marches to dances to plain old orchestral pieces. Personally, I'm a big fan of "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" so it's great to have it here. Also, Chabrier's pieces are especially nice, another personal favorite.



Actually, there's nothing on this disc that isn't thoroughly enjoyable, pleasant, and just an overall great listen. If you can find it somewhere, know that it is a good purchase."