Extraits de ballets: Les deux pigeons - Isoline - André Messager

Album Description

Dive into the enchanting world of ballet with "Extraits de ballets: Les deux pigeons - Isoline" by André Messager, a timeless collection of ballet excerpts that showcase the composer's mastery of orchestral color and rhythmic vitality. Released in 1952 under the BNF Collection label, this album offers a captivating journey through two of Messager's most celebrated ballet scores, "Les deux pigeons" and "Isoline."

The album begins with selections from "Les deux pigeons," a charming ballet based on a fable by Jean de La Fontaine. The lively "Entrée des tziganes" and the elegant "Pas des deux pigeons" provide a delightful introduction to the ballet's whimsical world. The "Thèmes et variations" offer a showcase of Messager's compositional prowess, while the divertissements from Act II feature a lively "Entrée," a spirited "Danse hongroise," and a rousing "Finale."

The second half of the album is dedicated to "Isoline," a ballet that tells the story of a young woman's journey of self-discovery. The selections include the playful "Payane," the rhythmic "Mazurka," the dramatic "Scène de la séduction," and the romantic "Valse."

With a total duration of 30 minutes, this album is a perfect introduction to the world of ballet music and the works of André Messager. Whether you're a seasoned ballet enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to delight and inspire.

1 jan 1952

1952 - BNF Collection 2013

About André Messager

André Messager, born in Montluçon in 1853, was a versatile French composer, organist, pianist, and conductor whose works continue to captivate audiences over a century later. His compositions, which include eight enchanting ballets and thirty delightful opéras comiques and operettas, are celebrated for their wit, charm, and melodic brilliance. Among his most enduring works are the ballet "Les Deux Pigeons" and the opéra comique "Véronique," both of which have secured their place in the canon of French musical theater. Messager's international success extended to works like "Les p'tites Michu" and "Monsieur Beaucaire," which charmed audiences far beyond France's borders. A pupil of the renowned Gabriel Fauré and Camille Saint-Saëns, Messager's musical journey was marked by innovation and a deep understanding of dramatic pacing, making his compositions as engaging as they are memorable. Throughout his career, Messager also served as a conductor and administrator, including a stint as the chairman of the S.A.C.E.M., the French Society of Music Authors, Composers, and Publishers. His legacy as a composer who bridged the worlds of classical and popular music endures, inviting audiences to explore the rich tapestry of his musical contributions.