Roberto González-Monjas - Pierre et le Loup, Op. 67 - Le Carnaval des animaux (2021) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

Both works are classics of children's concerts that are enjoying the same worldwide success: the musical tale "Pierre and the Wolf" by Prokofiev and "The Carnival of Animals" by Camille Saint-Saëns, which the latter described – probably with a wink – as a "Great zoological fantasy". Is the main thing so said? Not at all. Because the question arises as to why adults appreciate the story of the brave Peter and the evil wolf as much as children. No doubt it has to do with Prokofiev's brilliant music. It should also be remembered that Saint-Saëns composed his "Carnaval" for a private concert at home, that is, for adult entertainment. And the latter apparently could not restrain themselves from laughing, so much so that the composer suddenly became frightened and strictly forbade the publication of his charming work, fearing that his serious works would therefore no longer be taken seriously. In a way, he was right: in terms of popularity with young and old, no other work by Saint-Saëns can compete with the "Carnival of Animals".

A "Royal March" opens the work; a royal lion can clearly be heard opening its mouth to a great roar. Excited giggles of chickens and roosters follow, before a hemione crosses the imaginary scene (or rather the keys of the two pianos). Turtles that drag themselves slowly and primitively are especially funny, precisely because they evolve on a lively cancan by Jacques Offenbach – even dear fellow composers are not immune to Saint-Saëns" affectionate mockery… We find a little the same with the elephant (for the largest animal, the largest instrument: the double bass), which makes its heavy appearance on the light "Dance of the Sylphs" by Hector Berlioz. Head to Australia next, to see the kangaroos. You can even observe silverfish here, at least in an aquarium. Donkeys (with their typical "hi-han" braying) are presented as "long-eared characters". The distant call of the cuckoo to the clarinet is imbued with romance. Amid the animated chirping of countless birds populating an aviary, the particularly noble hissing of a small bird leaves a lasting impression.

TRACKLIST

1. Henri Dès - Pierre et le loup, Op. 67, conte musical pour enfants: I. Introduction
2. Henri Dès - Pierre et le loup, Op. 67, conte musical pour enfants: II. Un beau matin, Pierre ouvrit la porte du jardin…
3. Henri Dès - Pierre et le loup, Op. 67, conte musical pour enfants: III. Soudain, quelque chose dans l'herbe…
4. Henri Dès - Pierre et le loup, Op. 67, conte musical pour enfants: IV. Il était temps…
5. Henri Dès - Pierre et le loup, Op. 67, conte musical pour enfants: V. Et maintenant, voici où en était les choses…
6. Henri Dès - Pierre et le loup, Op. 67, conte musical pour enfants: VI. C'est alors…
7. Henri Dès - Pierre et le loup, Op. 67, conte musical pour enfants: VII. Et maintenant, imaginez la marche triomphale…
8. Henri Dès - Le Carnaval des animaux, Grande fantaisie zoologique: I. Introduction et Marche royale du Lion. Andante maestoso
9. Henri Dès - Le Carnaval des animaux, Grande fantaisie zoologique: II. Poules et Coqs. Allegro moderato
10. Henri Dès - Le Carnaval des animaux, Grande fantaisie zoologique: III. Hémiones (Animaux véloces). Presto furioso
11. Henri Dès - Le Carnaval des animaux, Grande fantaisie zoologique: IV. Tortues. Andante maestoso
12. Henri Dès - Le Carnaval des animaux, Grande fantaisie zoologique: V. L'Éléphant. Allegretto pomposo
13. Henri Dès - Le Carnaval des animaux, Grande fantaisie zoologique: VI. Kangourous. Moderato
14. Henri Dès - Le Carnaval des animaux, Grande fantaisie zoologique: VII. Aquarium. Andantino
15. Henri Dès - Le Carnaval des animaux, Grande fantaisie zoologique: VIII. Personnages à longues oreilles. Tempo ad lib.
16. Henri Dès - Le Carnaval des animaux, Grande fantaisie zoologique: IX. Le coucou au fond des bois. Andante
17. Henri Dès - Le Carnaval des animaux, Grande fantaisie zoologique: X. Volière. Moderato grazioso
18. Henri Dès - Le Carnaval des animaux, Grande fantaisie zoologique: XI. Pianistes. Allegro moderato
19. Henri Dès - Le Carnaval des animaux, Grande fantaisie zoologique: XII. Fossiles. Allegro ridicolo
20. Henri Dès - Le Carnaval des animaux, Grande fantaisie zoologique: XIII. Le Cygne. Andantino grazioso
21. Henri Dès - Le Carnaval des animaux, Grande fantaisie zoologique: XIV. Final. Molto allegro



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