Plunge into the rich tapestry of classical music with the Orchestre National de la RTF's captivating concert album, recorded live on May 9, 1957. This remarkable collection, released on October 1, 2016, under the label Ina, musique(s), offers a symphonic journey through the masterpieces of Prokofiev, Liszt, Debussy, and Ravel.
The album opens with Sergei Prokofiev's Symphony No. 1 in D major, Op. 25, affectionately known as the "Classical Symphony." This neo-classical work is a delightful homage to the styles of Haydn and Mozart, showcasing the orchestra's precision and versatility. The symphony's lively finale, "Molto vivace," is presented in multiple takes, offering a unique insight into the performance's evolution.
Following Prokofiev, the album transitions to Franz Liszt's Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-flat major, S. 124. The concerto's final movement, "Allegro marziale," is performed with vigor and passion, highlighting the piano's virtuosic demands and the orchestra's robust support. The concerto is also presented in multiple takes, providing a fascinating perspective on the performance's development.
Claude Debussy's "La Mer," a trio of symphonic sketches, forms the next part of the concert. The Orchestre National de la RTF masterfully captures the impressionistic essence of Debussy's score, from the serene dawn of "De l'aube à midi sur la mer" to the dynamic interplay of "Le dialogue du vent et de la mer."
The concert culminates with Maurice Ravel's iconic "Boléro." This rhythmic masterpiece, with its insistent ostinato and crescendoing orchestration, is a testament to the orchestra's cohesion and control. The album concludes with the announcement of the concert's end, leaving the audience with a lasting impression of this extraordinary musical experience.
With a duration of one hour and nine minutes, this album is a treasure trove of classical music, offering both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers a chance to appreciate the timeless works of these renowned composers. The Orchestre National de la RTF, under the direction of Paul Paray and S. François, delivers a performance that is as technically impressive as it is emotionally resonant.
