Orchestre National de la RTF - Poulenc - Debussy - Barraud - Balakirev, Concert du 20/11/1958, Orchestre National de la RTF, D. E. Ingelbreicht , F. Poulenc (LP)

Experience the timeless elegance of classical music with the Orchestre National de la RTF's captivating performance, now available on the album "Poulenc - Debussy - Barraud - Balakirev, Concert du 20/11/1958." Recorded on November 20, 1958, and released by Ina, musique(s), this album is a treasure trove of operatic masterpieces that showcase the orchestra's virtuosity and the composers' genius.

The album opens with Henri Barraud's Symphony No. 2 for string orchestra, a work that highlights the orchestra's rich, resonant strings. The symphony's three movements—Ouverture, Grave, and Finale—offer a journey through a range of emotions, from the lively and energetic to the deeply somber.

Following Barraud's symphony, the album presents Francis Poulenc's "Concert champêtre" for harpsichord and orchestra. This charming work is a delightful blend of Baroque and Classical styles, featuring the harpsichord in a concertante role. The three movements—Andante - Adagio molto, Adagio - Allegro molto, and Andante—are performed with exquisite nuance and precision.

The album concludes with Claude Debussy's "Marche écossaise" and Mily Balakirev's "Thamar." Debussy's march is a lively and spirited piece, while Balakirev's "Thamar" is a dramatic and intense work that showcases the orchestra's full range of expression.

Under the direction of conductor D. E. Ingelbreicht and with Francis Poulenc himself at the harpsichord, the Orchestre National de la RTF delivers a performance that is both technically impressive and deeply moving. The album's duration of 1 hour and 23 minutes offers a substantial and satisfying listening experience, making it a valuable addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.