Georges Bizet: Symphonie en Ut, Roma, Jeux d'enfants

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Georges Bizet with this captivating album, released on September 1, 2017, by Praga Digitals. This collection showcases Bizet's mastery of classical and opera genres, offering a rich and diverse listening experience that spans over an hour and twenty minutes.

The album begins with Bizet's "Symphonie en Ut Majeur," a vibrant and youthful symphony that is brought to life with a relaxed and spacious performance. The allegros, in particular, are given room to breathe, creating a sense of ease and comfort that is sure to delight listeners.

Following the symphony, the album presents "Roma, Fantaisie Symphonique en Ut Majeur (Suite No. 3)," a fantastical journey through the streets of Rome. The suite is filled with lively and energetic movements, culminating in the exhilarating "Carnaval" finale.

The album concludes with "Jeux d'enfants, Petite Suite d'orchestre, Op. 22," a charming and playful suite that captures the innocence and joy of childhood. The suite includes a variety of movements, from the marching "Trompette et tambour" to the whimsical "La Toupie" and the romantic "Petit mari, petite femme."

Throughout the album, the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Zdenek Kosler, delivers a stunning performance that is both accurate and expressive. The result is a collection of works that is sure to captivate and inspire listeners, showcasing the enduring genius of Georges Bizet.

Georges Bizet, born in Paris in 1838, was a prodigious French composer whose name is forever linked with one of the most beloved operas of all time, "Carmen." His musical journey began at an early age, with his father, a singing teacher, and his mother, a talented pianist, nurturing his gifts. Bizet's precocious talent led him to the Paris Conservatoire at just nine years old, where he composed his Symphony in C Major at the age of 17. Despite facing early setbacks and struggles, Bizet's determination to succeed on the operatic stage led to works like "The Pearl Fishers" and "La Jolie Fille de Perth." However, it was his final opera, "Carmen," that would cement his legacy. Premiering just months before his untimely death in 1875, "Carmen" has since become a staple of the opera repertoire, known for its vivid characters, dramatic plot, and unforgettable music. Bizet's realistic approach to opera influenced the verismo style that followed, making him a pivotal figure in the Romantic era of classical music.