This page lists all recordings of Symphony No. 2, Op. 23, by Albert Roussel (1869-1937) on CD & download (MP3 & FLAC). Generally, more recent releases are listed first, but with priority given to those that are in stock. |
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| | | In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day. |
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| |  | Albert Roussel: Complete Symphonies
France’s symphonic tradition may not compare to the immensity of Germany’s, but it has produced a number of impressive works. This release is dedicated to those by Albert Roussel, one of classical music’s most distinguished late-starters. The compilation begins with the delightful Poème de la forêt – Roussel’s first great work of importance and one whose strong Impressionist flavour is revealed through the use of picturesque movement titles. From the Second Symphony’s powerful proportions to No.3’s cyclic nature, we encounter a composer whose music was beginning to harbour a fierce and concentrated energy. His final work in the genre, written three years before his death in 1937, represents for many the apex of his achievements. Roussel may never have gained the popularity of Debussy and Ravel, but he was an important and compelling composer whose symphonies combined both 20th-century style and colour with Classical structures. Tracing the entire development of his style, this assured recording by the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France brings Roussel’s distinctive voice to life. “It is Janowski’s exquisite nuancing of melody (timing as well as shaping) that catches the ear as often as the correctly achieved balances, the purity of tone and the general limpidity of the sound.” Gramophone Magazine, June 1996 | | | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. |
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| |  | Roussel: Symphony No. 2
The three works included here outline the transitional phase in which Roussel’s mature idiom took shape. Most important of these is his Second Symphony, with its densely intricate orchestration and its wide range of expression, while Pour une fête de printemps is a symphonic poem that could be thought of as preparation for the larger work. With the Suite in F, Roussel arrived at his mature style; the piece is taut and economical in design, with a distinctly ‘contemporary’ feel. “energy, enthusiasm, and panache” American Record Guide “Denève and the RSNO are strong advocates for the all-too-rarely heard Second Symphony.” BBC Music Magazine, Proms 2008 **** “Denève's pacing feels perfectly natural… The Royal Scottish National Orchestra play with élan throughout, relishing the music.” Gramophone Magazine, July 2008 “The most recent digital set on Naxos is, on balance, perhaps the best [Roussel cycle], and is certainly well on its way to being the most comprehensive...Unlike the majority of performances in this cycle, the Second Symphony is taken at quite a slow pace, but not unsympathetically slow. All the brooding colours of this densely impressionistic score are brought out, allowing the listener to wallow in much gorgeous orchestration.” Penguin Guide, 2011 edition “Stéphane Denève and his orchestra bring plenty of verve and nuance to their interpretation [of Roussel's Second Symphony], and with the equally well-played couplings - a festive symphonic poem and a more Classically shaped suite - the disc adds up to a highly recommendable window on to the world of a fascinating composer” The Telegraph, 3rd May 2008 | | | (also available to download from $6.00) | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. (Available now to download.) |
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| |  | Roussel - Symphonies Nos. 1-4
| | | Usually despatched in 4 - 5 working days. |
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| |  | Roussel - Symphony No. 2
"Roussel's Second Symphony is one of the greatest musical discoveries I've made in years." Christoph Eschenbach "brilliantly played by the Orchestre de Paris. Roussel's symphony has lived far too long in the shadows; this disc should help bring it out into the light." Gramophone “Christoph Eschenbach admits the Symphony has been a revelation to him, conducting it with the conviction of a convent, with his pacing of the sombre slow-burning introduction being especially finely judged. The Orchestre de Paris is in superlative form, both in the Symphony and the ballet Bacchus et Ariane, providing a marvellous lesson in nuanced gallic colours, all captured in fine sound.” BBC Music Magazine, July 2006 ***** “…the symphony - Roussel's longest - is also the most complex and elusive. Eschenbach's account is strong on both atmosphere and clarity of line. The juxtaposition with the two Bacchus et Ariane concert suites (much more enjoyable than the Daphnis ones) makes for a rich programme, all brilliantly played by the Orchestre de Paris. Roussel's symphony has lived far too long in the shadows; this disc should help bring it out into the light.” Gramophone Magazine, September 2006 | | | (also available to download from $10.50) | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. (Available now to download.) |
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| |  | Roussel: Un Siècle en France
| | | In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day. |
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| |  | Roussel: The Complete Symphoniesand other orchestral works
Roussel: | Bacchus et Ariane, Op. 43 (complete ballet) Symphony No. 3 in G minor, Op. 42 Symphony No. 2, Op. 23 Pour une fête de printemps, Op. 22 Suite in F major, Op. 33 Symphony No. 1 'Le Poème de la forêt' Résurrection – Symphonic Prelude Le Marchand de sable qui passe, Op. 13 Symphony No. 4 in A major, Op. 53 Rapsodie flamande (Flemish Rhapsody), Op. 56 Petite Suite Op. 39 Concert pour petit orchestre, Op. 34 Sinfonietta for string orchestra, Op. 52 |
| | Naxos - 8504017 (CD - 4 discs) Normally: $20.00 Special: $16.00 |
| | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. |
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Gramophone Magazine