Honegger: Pacific 231 – Pastorale d’Été – Chant de la Joie – Symphony No. 5

SUA 10516

Product Details: 

• Label: Supraphon – SUPDAPHO SUA 10516
• Format: CD
• Country: Czech Republic
• Released by: Praga Regina Musicae
• Genre: Classical

Overview

This compelling CD release brings together some of the most vibrant and evocative orchestral works by Swiss-French composer Arthur Honegger, interpreted with great depth by the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of conductor Serge Baudo. Featured works include Pacific 231, a vivid musical depiction of a steam locomotive; Pastorale d’Été, which captures the tranquil warmth of a summer morning; Chant de la Joie, a rarely performed celebration of hope and human spirit; and the striking Symphony No. 5 (also known as “Di tre re”), a post-war work filled with somber reflection and inner strength. Baudo’s insightful leadership and the orchestra’s precision make this an essential recording for admirers of modern classical repertoire.

Product Features

• Digitally remastered edition of essential Arthur Honegger orchestral works
• Performance by the renowned Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
• Includes four significant compositions representing Honegger’s diverse emotional and stylistic range
• Historical value and interpretative fidelity from conductor Serge Baudo
• Released under the respected Praga Regina Musicae series

Interesting Facts

• Pacific 231 is Honegger’s most famous orchestral work, mimicking the acceleration and momentum of a steam engine.
• Honegger was part of "Les Six," a group of composers in post-WWI France seeking to break from Romantic and Impressionist traditions.
• Serge Baudo, known for his interpretations of 20th-century music, was the son of oboist Étienne Baudo and the nephew of cellist Paul Tortelier.
• Chant de la Joie (Song of Joy) is a lesser-known work, contributing emotional depth to this collection and highlighting Honegger's spiritual dimension.
• The Czech Philharmonic Orchestra has long been recognized for its rich interpretations of European symphonic music.

Key Credits

Conductor: Serge Baudo Orchestra: Czech Philharmonic Orchestra Composer: Arthur Honegger Label: Supraphon / Praga Regina Musicae