Saint-Saëns: Greatest Hits
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Audio CD (14 November, 1995)
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Reviews (4)

Cool Camille
I think that the sound of Saint Saens Music is very unique.I think that anyone out there wanting to listen to some excellent writing I assure you that Saint Saens has written it.On behalf of Amazon I would definitely rate this music 5 stars.I thank Amazon for a perfect portrayal of his works.You shoppers out there might want to take a look at buying this.

RIGHT AWAY!!!
-Nick

Astounding!!!
I have come accross very few CD's that have 74 minutes of music that I enjoy.This CD is one of those.Mason Jones does a great job on Morceau, everyone likes danse bachannalle, the piano concerto is great, it's just a really enjoyable CD to own.I recommend it highly, it's one of my favorites.

Great Selections, So-So Collection
As all good elementary school music teachers know, Saint-Saëns could evoke emotions from a rock.I don't know if it's his masterful command (or creation) of the idioms of music, or whether it's the formal structure ofhis compositions, but there's never any confusion about how one feels whenlistening to this Apollo.

This Sony recording supposedly collects hisbest.It does and it doesn't.The "Danse Macabre"--a perennialSaint Saëns fave--is definitely better than any others on themarket--crisper, livelier, and ... er... creepier.And the Bacchanale isalso superbly done. (Don't take my word for it though--you can comparethese yourself from the various samples.)But as great as these individualpieces are, Sony failed to bring to the "Swan" the rest of thezoo from "Carnivale des Animaux," and, worse, they forgot the"Aquarium," too!Plus, the "Organ Symphony" *must* beheard in its entirety to sound like the serious piece of music that itis.

I haven't found the noumenal Saint-Saëns collection yet.But thisone surely isn't phenomenal. ... Read more

Asin: B000002C61
Sales Rank: 8127
Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Classical    3. Concerto    4. Opera    5. Orchestral    6. Orchestral & Symphonic    7. Symphonic   

Saint-Saëns - Samson & Dalila / Cura, Borodina, Lafont, Lloyd, Silins, Sir Colin Davis
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (03 November, 1998)
list price: $33.98
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Editorial Review

Samson et Dalila is having a renaissance, and not because it's great music. Though there are patches of seductive stuff, the opera is being pressed into service for the growing number of acclaimed mezzo-sopranos, since the role of Dalila is one of the few 19th-century star vehicles for that voice type. This recording boasts the vocally resplendent Russian mezzo Olga Borodina, but tenor Jose Cura is the dominant presence, heard here in his strongest operatic recording yet. While his voice has been known to go slack at lower volumes, he seems uniformly secure. His characterization also has all the necessary heroism, along with thoughtful, touching pianissimos after Samson loses his strength. Borodina isn't as electrifying here as in her live Metropolitan Opera telecast (she's often too careful in the recording studio) but is often close to ideal. Minor roles are vocally patchy. But conductor Colin Davis, the real star of the set, gives this opera the same shimmering aura of his great Berlioz interpretations, as if this were a poor man's Les Troyens. Shimmer comes courtesy of the fine London Symphony Orchestra and the slightly-too-reverberant recording venue, Walthamstow Assembly Hall. --David Patrick Stearns ... Read more

Reviews (9)

The Samson's Voice
I bought this CD set some years ago but I heard only recently because a friend tolds me this is out of print.Due to I'm used to that frenzied,like an Ortrud Waltraud Meier's Dalila,it's not surprising that Borodina seems me less seductive in comparison,despite of her wealthy voice and great singing quality.Anyway,Colin Davis's approaches to "Samson" is much more architectural,biblical so to speak,than a operatical one.Of course,Act II beneath his baton tends to be longer.No problem,since "Samson" is an opera born oratorio and I fell his whole conception emphasizing magnitude and musical nuances on the score more than phatos and drama.W.A.Hall's accoustics matches perfectly to this and final scene,when Dagon temple collapses,that turns out amazing(LSO and Choir superbs).Lastly,José Cura;I remember first time I heard his singular voice on "Operalia 94" performing Dick Johnson.I never did learn of a such voice,unlike any singer I knew before.His massive,cavernous singing was a puzzle to me(and to everyone,I think).Afterwards a brilliant "Puccini Arias",a sequence of bad choices befells that on CD and video(in fact,since that I was always a great fan of his gorgeous,unique singing and I believe that bigger problem was his decision to conduct and sing at same time).This "Samson" here is a kind of relief.The character's range and pathos are just perfect to his temper and voice.Everything fit well,drama and singing,like Samson finding his own suitable voice at present time.Here,Cura forwards both music and text in many different ways;brutal against Abimelech and the philistines (it's easy to him,performing in a english ensemble remembering Malvinas),his submissiveness to Dalila,singing each one pianissimo on score and that incredible last phrase in a single breath,put down the temple.I was so satisfied with this recording that I only dream of a Waltraud Dalila and a Samson Cura together in a same performance.

Glorious Samson
I prefer Cura's Samson to Domingo's Samson. I think that Cura's recorded Samson has a more beautiful voice than Domingo's. Sir Colin Davis shows himself the top exponent of Samson today. his conducting has improved tremendously over the previous set. And Borodina must have the most beautiful Mezzo voice since Christa Ludwig. What a pity that this set is going out of print. I wouldn't miss this chance if I were you.

Not even one single mistake!!
I won't find one single mistake in this recording even If I listend to it two hundred times. It's perfect!! and you woun't find perfects recordings so easyly.
After I heard Borodina here I found out that she is One of the best mezzo-sopranos I ever listened too. Her portrayal of Dalila is superb. Seductes not only Samson, but the listener too. The three arias Dalila sings are sang with such percfection that you won't want to listen to another version after this one.
I don't like Jose Cura in general, but here I found out that he diserves to be rated as one of the better actors nowadays. You can feel his suffering as well as his love to Dalila. Exelent!!
the rest of the cast are stupendous as well, Philippe Lafont, Lloyd, Silins. All of them do an exellent job.
And finally, I MUST say something of Colin Davis, becouse here he shows why he is SIR Colin Davis. Sutility in the direction. Incredible job of Davis!!.
Enjoy it, you won't regret this purchase. ... Read more

Asin: B00000DGWS
Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Opera    3. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio   

Saint-Saens: Carnival of the Animals
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Reviews (6)

Musical Playfulness at it's finest
This CD is absolutely charming. The Carnival of the Animals is so full of different expressions- the majestic lion, the agonizingly slow tortoise, the free-flying birds, the dancing fossils, and the regal swan. Phaeton is amazing, as is le Rouet d'Omphale and the Danse Macabre. I wasn't into Saint-Saens before this CD, but now I'm hooked. For model romantic era music, buy this CD without delay :)

Magnificent
It's humourous, it's simple, it's great. Those three words best describe Carnvial of Animals. From the lovely and beautiful Aquarium and Aviary to the more serious, respectable March of the Royal Lion, this musical composistion goes everywhere and does everything in great strides. A must-have for any classical music fan

a masterpiece
This is a must-have for any lover of classical music. Saint-Saens definitely composed a masterpiece. The Swan and Aquamarine are two of the most popular since they can be heard on television. It's worth the price to own all of these songs in one convenient cd. ... Read more

Asin: B0000041QC
Sales Rank: 7433
Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Classical    3. Orchestral   

Saint-Saens: The 5 Symphonies
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Audio CD (18 July, 1989)
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Reviews (2)

An excellent recording of Saint-Saens' five symphonies
Saint-Saens' Third symphony is by far his most recorded work, and his first two, although not as ubiquitous, are fairly easy to find. On the other hand, the two `unofficial' symphonies are not, and this 2-CD set conveniently packages all five at a low price. Martinon's interpretation of these works in consistently strong, and the sound quality is a lot better than what most give it credit for. Saint-Saens wrote the A major symphony at barely 15 years of age, and the work fits in nicely with the E flat major symphony as a preparation leading the way to the last three symphonies, which are all mature and assured compositions. The epic F major `Urbs Roma' symphony, composed and conducted by Saint-Saens himself (in 1857) but later discarded, might be the premier reason for buying this release; it should be heard by all those interested in Saint-Saens' music and this, one of the few available recordings of the work, is masterful. One last thought: the Third is well played here (slower than I was used to), and I was pleased to read in the liner notes an allusion to the work's spiritual scope, an aspect which tends to be overlooked among all that has been written about it. This masterpiece evokes less particular religious feelings than a longing for the absolute.

An opportunity to hear all of Saint-Saens' Symphonies
In terms of the performances recorded on these CDs, I would be in favor of giving the album five stars; the reason I have chosen four stars is that the sound is somewhat dated, compared to the wonderful digital sounds recorded in the last fifteen or so years.It is still highly listenable, however, and the fact of being able to hear Saint-Saens' less familiar symphonies is terrific.The one entitled "Urbs Roma" is especially fine...........................Of course, I checked out the "Organ" Symphony and compared it with other recordings of that work that I have heard.Here again, the performance is limited only by the somewhat dated sound from the time period of the recording.All in all, I highly recommend the album, even though one can get recordings of Symphony No. 3 that are more in the "blockbuster" category, sonically speaking, than this one. ... Read more

Asin: B000002S0C
Sales Rank: 209581
Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Symphonic   

Saint-Saëns: Piano Concertos 1-5
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (16 May, 1995)
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Editorial Review

There is a lot of really enjoyable music here. I rememberorganizing a performance of the Fifth Piano Concerto (subtitled "TheEgyptian") when I was repertoire committee chairman for a local communityorchestra. We found it not only very playable for all of us amateurs in theorchestra, but it simply blew the audience away. It's a real find. Both theSecond and Fourth concertos have been popular favorites for more than a century,but they seemed to have vanished sight in the past couple of decades. It was ourloss, but no more. And the Fifth Piano Concerto, even when played by amateurs,can blow an audience away. At two discs for the price of one, these fineperformances offer listeners a great chance to know this charming and vivaciousmusic at little or no risk at all. So why hesitate? --David Hurwitz ... Read more

Reviews (8)

OK for the money
All in all, I think this is a fair value.Dutoit does a great job conducting and the quality of the recording is good.I was disappointed with the soloist's interpretation of concerto no 2 - I felt too much liberty was taken - esp on the opening passages.What should have been one long phrase building in intensity was instead practically broken into shorter phrases and any momentum that might have been gained was lost.I also felt like the third movement was not played at a tempo I would consider 'presto'.

I liked concerto no 1 very much - these concertos should not be ignored even if some critics do not consider Saint Saens a 'heavyweight' composer.

You'll like this set even if you don't like Saint-Saens
Unlike some of the other reviewers here, I am one of those who consider Saint-Saens to be a hopeless musical lightweight, a first-rate second-rate composer (as the old saw goes), a musician of prodigious technical talent but lacking any real depth in his music.It isn't any accident that, despite the tremendous popularity of his music during his lifetime, only about 2 dozen (and that is probably being generous) of his many many pieces are performed with any consistency.

Not coincidentally, some of Saint-Saens' pieces that have shown staying power are at least a couple of the piano concerti, and they are impeccably presented here by Roge & Dutoit.All in all, they are pretty musical confections of a decidedly classical strain, certainly not wallowing in the late romanticism that was running rampant at the time they were composed.If you are lukewarm about Saint-Saens, this is a collection that will plead his case for you about as well as anything to be found these days.Also, it is nice and cheap --- that certainly does not detract from its desirability.Enjoy.

Trust us
Looking at the other reviews here, I can only nod in complete agreement.Saint-Saëns is an underrated composer and these 5 concertos are joyful, seductive and deserving of a lot more attention than they have received.Saint-Saëns, like Mendelssohn, had the ability to instantly inspire happiness in the listener, this listener anyhow.Yes, the 2nd and 4th occasionally do get an airing, but the "Eqyptian" (the 5th) is every bit their equal and the remaining two concertos certainly have their own merits.The five deserve a double disc outing like this.

The performances here are very, very fine indeed.I have not heard the Collard/Previn versions (which are referred to in another review), although I have several versions of the 2nd and 4th.Charles Dutoit and Pascal Roge do a wonderful job, investing these performances with the affection and conviction they deserve.True, there is more of the virtuoso than the philosopher about Roge's playing, but that is entirely appropriate to Saint-Saëns.This is feel-good music (and music-making) of the very highest callibre.

Returning to these discs is always a pleasure for me and I hope will be for you.If you have even a passing interest in late Romantic piano concertos treat yourself to these. ... Read more

Asin: B00000425S
Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Concerto   

Saint-Saëns: The Complete Etudes
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (10 November, 1998)
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Reviews (2)

A wonderful disc that deserves a larger audience
It's taken me a while to develop a true appreciation for Saint-Saens' works. Like many I have been familiar with his Carnaval since early childhood, followed by his Organ Symphony after its final movement's theme made its way into the top ten hit "If I had words" by the then still delectable future sister in law of Adam Curry.

In my mid teens when Beethoven became my main musical interest, Saint-Saens remarks on Beethoven's late piano sonatas and divine string quartets resulted in a boycott that lasted for over two decades. Yet due to spousal appreciation of the bearded dandy's works and my renewed interest in this repertoire generated by Hamelin's stellar Alkan recordings, I am glad I decided to explore the oeuvre of cher Camile a little further.

Two things that one has to give Saint-Saens credit for are his never abandoning his beliefs/principles in a rapidly changing musical climate and his remaining within the boundaries of his significant abilities. This splendid cd is a testimony to the virtues of Camille's credo.

While Brahms was addressing the Universe writing Opus 116-119, Saint-Saens was perfectly happy to keep his scope limited to the Parisian salons. While, I would not want to claim a "masterwork status" for the three sets of etudes on this cd, many of them are the result of such compository skill and insight into piano technique, that I still think that Piers Lane's superb performance turns this cd in a "must" for the serious student / collector of the repertoire.

Even while familiar with the baroque opening of his second piano concerto - often described as going from Bach to Offenbach through the work's three movements- Camille's four splendid explorations of the Baroque's most lasting form, the fugue, took me by complete surprise. They are simply wonderful! While Camille does not make an attempt to outdo Johann Sebastian, I must add that the fugue for the left hand only, Opus 135 nr. 2, is quite a neat piece of work.

In addition, there are more than a few moments, take "the Bells of Las Palmas" Opus 111 nr. 4, in which Debussy is just, and I mean JUST, around the corner. Moreover, it escapes me why Saint-Saens' Toccata after his own fifth piano concerto, Opus 111 nr. 6, is not a staple of the current encore repertoire.

These works could hardly have received a better advocate than Piers Lane. While the works are often pretty taxing, his great technique allows them to unfold in a very relaxed and never overburdening fashion.

The recording is of the typical Hyperion, Tony Faulkner, quality: good but not tops and showing more timbral accuracy than precision in soundstage and dynamics.

A wonderful disc
Saint-Saens is one of those underrated composers who is slighted mostly because his muse wasn't tragic or dramatic.Most of what he wrote is well crafted and enjoyable for the sheer pleasure of being beautiful music.

This disc is no exception.Saint Saens was a formidable pianist, sothis music isn't easy, but Lane sails through it with aplomb and a sweettone. There are many gems here, including a wonderful fugue for the lefthand alone.

Put this disc on and sit back.Maybe you won't betransported to a different, rapturous world but I guarantee you'll be morerelaxed and have a smile on your face when it's done. ... Read more

Asin: B00000DLY3
Sales Rank: 148556
Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Keyboard    3. Orchestral & Symphonic   

Saint-Saëns: The Three Violin Concertos
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (07 September, 1999)
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Reviews (3)

A thinking man's Saint-Saens
For years I thought of the Saint-Saens Third Violin Concerto as "easy listening." Dramatic, sometimes passionate in its first movement, sweetly soothing in its second, and rousing in its third. In other words, agood emotional payback from a work that didn't require too much input onthe listener's part.

Then along came the present performance and...wowdid my impression of the piece change! No, it still doesn't furrow my brow,but suddenly it appears as a work of far more psychological, emotional, andformal complexity than I had heretofore realized. Best of all, theperformers don't give an overwrought interpretation by trying to imposesomething on the music, but rather find more details and subtlety in themusic than any other performers I've heard.

Graffin's tone, a bit thinnerthan I would like, sounds genuinely Gallic, and the orchestralaccompaniment is positively luminous.

And let me not forget the companionpieces, music in Saint-Saens most felicitously lyrical vein. Who knows?Maybe some day a performance will reveal unearthed depths there as well.

A thinking man's Saint-Saens
For years I thought of the Saint-Saens Third Violin Concerto as "easylistening." Dramatic, sometimes passionate in its first movement,sweetly soothing in its second, and rousing in its third. In other words, agood emotional payback from a work that didn't require too much input onthe listener's part.

Then along came the present performance and...wowdid my impression of the piece change! No, it still doesn't furrow my brow,but suddenly it appears as a work of far more psychological, emotional, andformal complexity than I had heretofore realized. Best of all, theperformers don't give an overwrought interpretation by trying to imposesomething on the music, but rather find more details and subtlety in themusic than any other performers I've heard.

Graffin's tone, a bit thinnerthan I would like, sounds genuinely Gallic, and the orchestralaccompaniment is positively luminous.

And let me not forget the companionpieces, music in Saint-Saens most felicitously lyrical vein. Who knows?Maybe some day a performance will reveal unearthed depths there as well.

Good Performance, Decent Sound
This release is quite on par with others in the Hyperion line, following well in the footsteps of the Romantic Piano Concerto Series.The performances are good - somewhat understated, but in no way offensive orlame.A good, solid job by soloist and orchestra.Sound is in line withthe usual from this source - very good but not outstanding (my referencepoint for outstanding orchaestral sonics is BIS).Those wanting all threeworks on a single disc would do very well by this release. Recommended. ... Read more

Asin: B00001NTJV
Sales Rank: 124500
Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Concerto    3. Orchestral & Symphonic   

Saint-Saens: Requiem, Psaume XVIII
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (02 December, 1997)
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Features

• Import

Reviews (1)

The Duo Movement of Psalm XVIII worths anything
Saint Saens is less known for his religious works, an that's a pity.

I first came across the Requiem in a university library, and fell in love with it, esp. with the Agnus Dei movement. I then bought this disc for the Requiem and the Psalm was just a bonus. And indeed, it's quite mediocre a work. However, one single movement in this Psalm - the Duo - is incredible: 4.20 minutes of a real thrilling piece, quite unknown even to keen vocal music lovers. I can't describe it very well. Just go and listen to it.

The sound is excellent, the singers are good, though a little too operaic. Mercier, the conductor, has a sensitive touch.On the whole, it's warmly recommended. ... Read more

Asin: B00004V9PB
Sales Rank: 193524
Subjects:  1. Classical   

All these works are well worth hearing, but what really makes the record unique is the playing. These two French artists not only have all the elegance characteristic of their native idiom, they are altogether superb in technical polish and brilliance, impeccable phrasing, balance, ensemble, and, perhaps most of all, in sound. Graffin's tone is invariably pure and ravishingly beautiful, warm and glowing in the low register, soaring and radiant up high; he can vary it with infinite colors, nuances, and inflections. His expressiveness flows spontaneously from an innate affinity and feeling for the music and never gets sentimental or exaggerated. This is violin playing of a rare and special quality that makes the record a must for lovers of the instrument and its practitioners. --Edith Eisler ... Read more

Asin: B000031WGL
Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Chamber Music & Recitals    3. Classical