Search - Chopin, Luigini, Delibes :: Les Syphides / Ballet Egyptien / Faust Ballet

A good collection of ballet music

Jill Malter | jillmalter@aol.com | 09/11/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD has a fine collection of some popular nineteenth century ballet music, well performed. The music was digitally remastered by EMI records in 1988 and 1994.



We start with the eight Chopin selections, originally performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra (conducted by Robert Irving) in 1959. Next is the Suite #1 from Alexander Luigini's Ballet Egyptian (a relatively overlooked but excellent work). This was also originally recorded in 1959, by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (conducted by Anatole Fistoulari). Actually, this is not the best of the performances on this disc, but it is worth hearing. After that we have three excerpts from Leo Delibes' Coppelia, originally recorded (along with the selections from Faust by Gounod that conclude this disc) in 1970 by the New Philharmonia Orchestra with Sir Charles Mackerras conducting.



The next piece is the well-known Invitation to the Dance, by Weber. This version was orchestrated by Weingartner, and has Alan Turner as cello soloist. It was originally recorded in 1968 by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Walter Susskind.



I recommend this CD.



"