One often looks in vain for the name Jules Massenet in the more popular concert guides. But once you have listened to these enchanting miniatures, you will doubtless agree that the French composer should not be absent from any musical guide. The ballet suite to the four-act opera 'Le Cid' from 1885, which lauds the Spanish heroes in the war against the Moors, consists of a series of traditional dances from various regions of the Iberian Peninsula. Scintillating melodies sparkle with lively motion right from the very first in the series of dances, 'Castillane'. This is followed by a series of highly contrasted little movements whose characteristics cover a wide range of expression ? from crashing and robust in the 'Aragonaise', via bright, warbling and whistling in the 'Aubade', and on to the symphonic and lyrical 'Catalane'. The suite is brought to an end with the fresh and joyous 'Navarraise' in a short and vibrant Finale. Massenet?s perfected art of orchestration is well demonstrated in the 'Scènes pittoresques', which begins with a march-like, processional dance, followed by an 'Air de Ballet', a gently swirling movement filled with strains of interweaving woodwinds. After the bell-like, pastoral 'Angélus' we hear the rich sound of bold fanfares in a lively final dance entitled 'Fête bohème', which is certainly worthy of it's name.
Release date:
October 16, 2020
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Phono Preamps - Top Picks
A selection of the best phono preamps for your turntable setup
-
Cartridges - Top Picks
A selection of turnatble cartridges that provide great performance and sound quality
-
Edifier R1280DB Powered Speakers
Combining classic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification and versatile inputs, these speakers deliver rich, balanced sound.
-
Vevor Ultrasonic Cleaner
Thoroughly clean and restore your vinyl records, removing dust, dirt, and grime from every groove without damaging the surface
-
Nobsound Little Bear T7 Tube Preamp
Delivers rich, warm audio through its high-quality vacuum tubes, featuring multiple inputs and adjustable gain
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Faetooth Labyrinthine [2xLP]
Flenser
September 5, 2025 -
William Prince Further From the Country
Six Shooter Records Inc
October 17, 2025 -
Calum Scott Avenoir (Transparent Pumpkin Spice)
Capitol
September 12, 2025 -
Racebannon Orcutt Shelley Miller
Silver Current
September 5, 2025 -
BEAT Live [3xLP]
Inside Out Music
September 26, 2025 -
Drain ...is Your Friend
Epitaph
November 7, 2025 -
Three Days Grace Alienation
Rca Records
August 22, 2025 -
Higher Power There's Love In This World If You Want It in sleeve
Nuclear Blast
September 19, 2025 -
Thin Lizzy Live And Dangerous (Metallic Silver) [2xLP]
Friday Music Two
October 31, 2025 -
Pete Droge Fade Away Blue
Missing Piece Records
August 22, 2025 -
Jack Garratt Pillars (Marbled Grass)
Cooking Vinyl
August 15, 2025 -
Cochemea Vol III: Ancestros Futuros
Daptone Records
September 26, 2025 -
Panic Shack Panic Shack (Red)
Brace Yourself
August 1, 2025 -
King Witch III (Splatter)
Listenable Records
July 25, 2025