Florent Schmitt - Florent Schmitt: Symphonie concertante, Rêves & Soirs (LP)

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Florent Schmitt with this captivating album, released on January 1, 2001, by naïve classique. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes, this collection showcases Schmitt's mastery of orchestral and piano compositions, offering a rich tapestry of musical experiences.

The album opens with the Symphonie concertante for Orchestra and Piano, Op. 82, a three-movement work that demonstrates Schmitt's ability to blend the piano and orchestra into a cohesive and dynamic whole. The first movement, "Assez animé," sets a lively pace, while the second, "Lent," offers a moment of reflection. The final movement, "Animé," brings the symphony to a thrilling close.

Following the symphony, the album presents Rêves, a tone poem for orchestra that evokes a dreamlike atmosphere with its slow, unhurried tempo. This piece is a testament to Schmitt's skill in creating evocative and atmospheric music.

The second half of the album is dedicated to the 8 Pieces for Little Orchestra, drawn from Schmitt's Suite for Piano, Op. 5 "Soirs." Each piece offers a unique mood and character, from the introspective "En rêvant" to the melancholic "Après l'été," and the exotic "Parfum exotique." These pieces showcase Schmitt's ability to convey a wide range of emotions and settings through his music.

Throughout the album, Florent Schmitt's compositions reveal a deep understanding of orchestration and a keen sense of melody. This album is a testament to his enduring legacy as a composer and a must-listen for anyone interested in the rich tapestry of early 20th-century classical music.