Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of classical ballet music with Antal Doráti Conducts Ballets Russes. This captivating album, released on January 8, 2013, under the Naxos Classical Archives label, is a testament to the timeless elegance and grandeur of the ballet orchestra. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes, the album is a rich tapestry of compositions that showcase the exquisite artistry of Antal Doráti and the Ballets Russes.
The album opens with a stunning rendition of "An der schönen, blauen Donau" (The Beautiful Blue Danube) by Johann Strauss II, expertly arranged by Desermoire. This iconic piece is followed by a series of enchanting compositions from "Les cent baisers Suite" and "Cotillon," both arranged by Vittorio Rieti after Emmanuel Chabrier. These pieces are a delightful blend of dance and drama, capturing the essence of ballet's storytelling and movement.
The second half of the album is dedicated to "Scuola di ballo," a suite of dances that encapsulate the spirit of classical ballet. From the graceful "Menuet" to the lively "Danse allemande," each piece is a masterclass in musical storytelling. The album concludes with the "Finale" from "Scuola di ballo," leaving the listener with a sense of satisfaction and awe.
Antal Doráti's conducting is nothing short of extraordinary. His ability to bring out the nuances and emotions in each piece is evident throughout the album. Whether it's the delicate precision of the "Lamento" or the exuberant energy of the "Grande valse," Doráti's interpretation is both sensitive and dynamic.
Antal Doráti Conducts Ballets Russes is not just a collection of classical pieces; it's a celebration of the ballet orchestra's rich history and enduring appeal. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
An der schönen, blauen Donau (the Beautiful Blue Danube), Op. 314: I. Introduction [arr. Desermoire]Johann Strauss II, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Antal Doráti
An der schönen, blauen Donau (the Beautiful Blue Danube), Op. 314, II. Scene [arr. Desermoire]Johann Strauss II, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Antal Doráti
An der schönen, blauen Donau (the Beautiful Blue Danube), Op. 314: III. Waltz [arr. Desermoire]Johann Strauss II, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Antal Doráti
An der schönen, blauen Donau (the Beautiful Blue Danube), Op. 314: IV. Polka [arr. Desermoire]Johann Strauss II, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Antal Doráti
An der schönen, blauen Donau (the Beautiful Blue Danube), Op. 314: V. Waltz [arr. Desermoire]Johann Strauss II, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Antal Doráti
An der schönen, blauen Donau (the Beautiful Blue Danube), Op. 314: VI. Entrance of the Hussar [arr. Desermoire]Johann Strauss II, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Antal Doráti
An der schönen, blauen Donau (the Beautiful Blue Danube), Op. 314: VII. Mazurka [arr. Desermoire]Johann Strauss II, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Antal Doráti
An der schönen, blauen Donau (the Beautiful Blue Danube), Op. 314, VIII. Scene of the Comedians [arr. Desermoire]Johann Strauss II, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Antal Doráti
An der schönen, blauen Donau (the Beautiful Blue Danube), Op. 314: IX. Blue Danube Waltz [arr. Desermoire]Johann Strauss II, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Antal Doráti
An der schönen, blauen Donau (the Beautiful Blue Danube), Op. 314: X. Mazurka [arr. Desermoire]Johann Strauss II, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Antal Doráti
An der schönen, blauen Donau (the Beautiful Blue Danube), Op. 314: XI. Finale [arr. Desermoire]Johann Strauss II, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Antal Doráti
Les cent baisers Suite: I. Opening Scherzo-Entry - Dance of the PrincessFrédéric Émile d'Erlanger, London Symphony Orchestra, Antal Doráti
Les cent baisers Suite: II. EnsembleFrédéric Émile d'Erlanger, London Symphony Orchestra, Antal Doráti
Les cent baisers Suite: III. Lamento (Dance of the Prince)Frédéric Émile d'Erlanger, London Symphony Orchestra, Antal Doráti
Les cent baisers Suite: IV. Grande valseFrédéric Émile d'Erlanger, London Symphony Orchestra, Antal Doráti
Les cent baisers Suite: V. The Hundred KissesFrédéric Émile d'Erlanger, London Symphony Orchestra, Antal Doráti
Les cent baisers Suite, VI. Entry of the King - Closing SceneFrédéric Émile d'Erlanger, London Symphony Orchestra, Antal Doráti
Cotillon: I. La toilette (after Meneut Pompeux) [arr. V. Rieti] [After e. Chabrier]George Balanchine, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Antal Doráti
Cotillon: II. Danse des Chapeaux (after Scherzo-Valse) [arr. V. Rieti] [After e. Chabrier]George Balanchine, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Antal Doráti
Cotillon: III. Les Mains deu Destin (after Idylle) [arr. V. Rieti] [After e. Chabrier]George Balanchine, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Antal Doráti
Cotillon: IV. Grand Rond et Final (after Danse Villageoise) [arr. V. Rieti] [After e. Chabrier]George Balanchine, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Antal Doráti
Scuola di ballo: LeconJean Françaix, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Antal Doráti
Scuola di ballo: MenuetJean Françaix, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Antal Doráti
Scuola di ballo: LarghettoJean Françaix, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Antal Doráti
Scuola di ballo: RondoJean Françaix, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Antal Doráti
Scuola di ballo: DisputeJean Françaix, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Antal Doráti
Scuola di ballo: PrestoJean Françaix, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Antal Doráti
Scuola di ballo: PastoraleJean Françaix, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Antal Doráti
Scuola di ballo: Danse allemandeJean Françaix, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Antal Doráti
Scuola di ballo, Scene du notaireJean Françaix, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Antal Doráti
Scuola di ballo: FinaleJean Françaix, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Antal Doráti