Ivor Bolton; Sinfonieorchester Basel - Camille Saint-Saens: Symphonic Poems

To mark the 100th anniversary of the death of Camille Saint-Saens, the Basel Symphony Orchestra under its conductor Ivor Bolton had set itself the goal of giving the public an insight into the composer's well-known as well as lesser-known symphonic works. The present recording is dedicated to the lesser known, but nevertheless no less important symphonic poems. For the first time, they have been recorded here on CD, including the popular Bacchanale from Samson et Dalila, according to Hugh Macdonalds' new critical edition published by Barenreiter.

The solo violinist in Danse macabre succeeds in being both sinister and playful, while the bucoloic first oboe produces the most realistic cock-crowing I've ever heard, as well as an exotic start to the wild Bacchanale from Samson et Dalila. Overall Bolton is both respectful and dynamic � BBC Music Magazine; Performance 4 STARS, Recording 3 STARS