Milhaud: La Creation Du Monde / Le Boeuf Sur Le Toit / Suite Provencale

Dive into the rich and vibrant world of Darius Milhaud with this captivating collection of his neoclassical and chamber music masterpieces. This album, released on June 1, 2005, under the Naxos label, offers a compelling journey through some of Milhaud's most celebrated works, spanning a duration of 1 hour and 8 minutes.

The album kicks off with "La Création du Monde, Op. 81," a ballet score that reflects Milhaud's fascination with jazz, inspired by his experiences in Harlem during the 1920s. This piece is followed by "Le Boeuf sur le toit (The Ox on the Roof), Op. 58," a lively and whimsical composition originally intended as incidental music for silent films, but premiered as a ballet. This work showcases Milhaud's unique blend of French folk music and American jazz influences.

The centerpiece of the album is the "Suite Provençale, Op. 152d," a symphonic work that pays homage to Milhaud's native Provence. Composed in 1936, this suite incorporates themes from 18th-century Provençal music, including works by André Campra, and is a testament to Milhaud's deep connection to his cultural roots.

The album concludes with "L'homme et son désir, Op. 48," a ballet score that explores the complexities of human desire and longing. This work is a stunning example of Milhaud's ability to convey deep psychological themes through music.

Conducted by Jean-Claude Casadesus and performed by the Lille National Orchestra, this album features a stellar lineup of musicians, including Jian Zhao, Bernard Deletré, Tomoko Makuuchi, and Mathias Vidal. Each track is a testament to Milhaud's innovative compositional style and his enduring influence on the world of classical music. Whether you're a longtime fan of Milhaud or a newcomer to his work, this album is sure to delight and inspire.