Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Florent Schmitt, a French composer whose music is a blend of rich harmonies, vivid orchestration, and a touch of exoticism. This album, "Florent Schmitt: Symphonie concertante, Rêves & Soirs," released in 2001 under the naïve classique label, is a testament to Schmitt's unique compositional style and his ability to evoke a wide range of emotions through his music.
The album opens with the Symphonie concertante for Orchestra and Piano, Op. 82, a three-movement work that showcases Schmitt's mastery of orchestration and his ability to create a dialogue between the piano and the orchestra. The first movement, "Assez animé," is lively and energetic, while the second movement, "Lent," is slow and introspective. The final movement, "Animé," brings the work to a thrilling conclusion.
Following the Symphonie concertante is Rêves, a tone poem for orchestra that is both dreamy and evocative. The work's slow tempo and lush harmonies create a sense of longing and nostalgia.
The album concludes with Eight Pieces for Little Orchestra, from Suite for Piano, Op. 5 "Soirs." These eight short pieces are each a gem in their own right, ranging from the dreamy "En rêvant" to the melancholic "Après l'été" to the lively "Gaiety." Each piece is a snapshot of a different mood or emotion, and together they create a vivid and engaging musical journey.
With a duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes, this album is a perfect introduction to the music of Florent Schmitt. Whether you're a seasoned classical music fan or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire you. So sit back, relax, and let the music of Florent Schmitt transport you to another world.