Dukas: La Péri

Paul Dukas (1865-1935) was extremely critical of his own work and destroyed a great deal. This accounts for the fact that he left a remarkably small catalogue of works. Aside from the incredibly popular Sorcerer's Apprentice most of his work remains relatively little-known to the majority of music lovers. The Symphony in C is a particularly fine work that will appeal to anyone familar with the symphonies of Franck, Chausson and d'Indy, and the Piano Sonata is a substantial work that rewards repeated listening. La Péri of 1912 was Dukas' last major work; for the remainder of his life he remained, like Sibelius, almost silent as a composer, concentrating on his work as a composition teacher at the Paris Conservatoire. It was at the Conservatoire that his pupils included a new generation of 20th century composers, among them Maurice Duruflé, Olivier Messiaen, Jean Langlais, Carlos Chavez and Joaquín Rodrigo.

A disc of popular orchestral works by Paul Dukas performed by veteran French conductor, Jean Fournet, who enjoyed a 20-year association with Netherlands Radio Philharmonic. This recording receives a Penguin Guide Top Recommendation.

‘The Fournet recording is amongst the best ever……… this is second to none. Given the marvellously expansive yet well-focused recording, this deserves a strong recommendation’ Penguin Guide