Roussel: Complete Symphonies – Marek Janowski / Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France (2CD Set)

• UPC: 8718247711734
• MPN: 8802173
• Brand Name: Newton Classics

Overview

This Newton Classics 2CD set presents the complete symphonies of Albert Roussel (1869–1937), performed by the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France under the baton of Marek Janowski. Spanning the composer’s evolution from lush Impressionism to sharp-edged Neoclassicism, these four symphonies reveal Roussel’s unique voice—bridging the worlds of Debussy and Stravinsky with bold harmonies, vivid orchestration, and rhythmic precision.

Recorded in Paris’s Salle Olivier Messiaen and originally issued by Sony Classical in 1996, these performances remain the benchmark for modern French orchestral interpretation—elegant, transparent, and dynamically alive.

Product Features

• Format: 2CD Set
• Sound: DDD Stereo
• Total Duration: 118′05
• Recording Dates: September & December 1994
• Recording Venue: Salle Olivier Messiaen, Maison de Radio France, Paris
• Producer: Martin Sauer
• Balance Engineer: Didier Gervais
• Original Label: Sony Music Entertainment (1996)
• Reissue Label: Newton Classics B.V. (2011)
• Country of Manufacture: Netherlands
• Genre: Classical
• Style: French 20th-Century Orchestral

Performers:

• Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France
• Marek Janowski – Conductor

Interesting Facts

• From Sea Breezes to Iron Mountains: Roussel began as a naval officer before turning to music, and his symphonies reflect both maritime fluidity and architectural solidity—especially the vast Poème de la forêt (Symphony No.1) and the taut, energetic Symphony No.4.

• A French Modernist Voice: While Roussel shared his generation with Debussy and Ravel, his later works point toward Stravinsky’s clarity and Hindemith’s rigor, combining coloristic French timbre with structural strength.

• Janowski’s French Mastery: German-born conductor Marek Janowski—renowned for his precise, transparent interpretations—brings out the rhythmic drive and textural refinement that define Roussel’s style.

• An Acoustical Gem: The Salle Olivier Messiaen offers ideal conditions for recording orchestral detail and atmosphere, preserving the Radiophonic Orchestra’s luminous balance.

• Critical Acclaim: Upon release, these performances were praised for their “effortless blend of clarity and warmth” (Gramophone), confirming Janowski’s standing as a conductor of rare stylistic adaptability.

Track Listing

CD 1 (57′26)

• Symphony No. 1 in D minor, Op. 7 “Le Poème de la forêt” I. Forêt d’hiver: Très lent – 5′23 II. Renouveau: Animé – 7′04 III. Soir d’été: Très lent – 8′12 IV. Faunes et Dryades: Assez vif – 13′02

• Symphony No. 3 in G minor, Op. 42 I. Allegro vivo – 5′45 II. Adagio – 9′23 III. Vivace – 2′55 IV. Allegro con spirito – 5′42

CD 2 (60′39)

• Symphony No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 23 I. Lent – Animé – 16′18 II. Modéré – 8′11 III. Très lent – Modérément animé – Plus animé – 14′22

• Symphony No. 4 in A major, Op. 53 I. Lento – Allegro con brio – 6′27 II. Lento molto – 8′41 III. Allegro scherzando – 2′50 IV. Allegro molto – 3′50

Publishers

Sony Music Entertainment – Original Recordings © 1996 Newton Classics B.V. – Reissue © 2011 Art Direction & Design: Jan Martin Wilschut (BND Amsterdam / Hotsprings) Cover Image: Lebrecht / HH LC 24605 Manufactured and printed in the Netherlands

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