Dukas: La péri, Polyeucte, L'apprenti sorcier

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Paul Dukas with this captivating album, featuring some of his most celebrated orchestral works. Released on June 6, 2000, by SUPRAPHON a.s., this collection spans 48 minutes of pure musical brilliance, showcasing Dukas' ingenious compositional style.

The album opens with the iconic "L'Apprenti Sorcier" (The Sorcerer's Apprentice), a piece that has become synonymous with Dukas' name, thanks in part to its famous adaptation in Disney's "Fantasia." This dazzling work, composed in 1897, is a testament to Dukas' mastery of orchestration and his ability to create vivid musical imagery.

Also included is "La Péri," a ballet score that exemplifies Dukas' skill in crafting evocative and dramatic music. The album features both the "Fanfare pour précéder La Péri" and the full "Poème dansé en un tableau," providing a comprehensive exploration of this enchanting work.

Rounding out the collection is the "Polyeucte" overture, a powerful and dramatic piece that showcases Dukas' ability to create compelling orchestral music. This album is a fantastic introduction to the world of Paul Dukas, offering a glimpse into the composer's unique musical language and his enduring legacy in the classical music canon.

Paul Dukas, born in Paris in 1865, was a French composer, critic, scholar, and teacher whose modest yet impactful body of work has left an indelible mark on the classical music landscape. Known for his intense self-criticism, Dukas destroyed many of his compositions, leaving behind a select few masterpieces that continue to captivate audiences today. His most renowned work, "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," gained widespread acclaim through its iconic use in Disney's "Fantasia," overshadowing his other notable compositions such as the opera "Ariane et Barbe-bleue," the "Symphony in C," and the ballet "La Péri." Dukas' meticulous approach to composition and his influence as a teacher have solidified his status as one of the great French composers of the early twentieth century. Despite his retiring personality, his musical legacy endures, inviting listeners to explore the depth and brilliance of his artistic vision.