Richard Flury - Flury: The Magic Mirror & Little Ballet Music (LP)

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Richard Flury's "The Magic Mirror & Little Ballet Music," a captivating album released in 2020 by Toccata Classics. This orchestral masterpiece is a ballet in three scenes, originally composed in 1954 by the Swiss composer Richard Flury (1896–1967). The album is a pantomime tale of flirtation, cuckoldry, and intrigue, beautifully narrated through 34 tracks that span a duration of 1 hour and 5 minutes.

The album is divided into three main parts, each depicting a different scene in the story. The first part, "In the Woman's Chamber," introduces the listener to a series of waltzes, serenades, and dramatic entrances that set the stage for the unfolding drama. The second part, "In the Laboratory of a Medieval Alchemist and Magician," delves into the mystical and supernatural elements of the story, featuring tracks like "The Husband Is Given a Magic Mirror" and "Death of the Student." The final part, "Still in the Woman's Chamber," brings the story to a dramatic conclusion with tracks like "The Husband Accuses His Wife" and "Devils Push the Sinner into the Fire."

In addition to the main ballet, the album also includes "Little Ballet Music," a series of six short pieces that showcase Flury's versatility and musical prowess. These tracks, ranging from "Arabesque" to "Marche de Kermesse," offer a delightful interlude and a glimpse into Flury's ability to evoke different moods and atmospheres.

Performed by the Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, this album is a testament to Flury's compositional skill and the orchestra's ability to bring his music to life. Whether you're a fan of classical music, ballet, or simply looking to explore new musical territories, "The Magic Mirror & Little Ballet Music" is sure to captivate and enchant.