Credits:

Darrell Ang & Lille National Orchestra

Description:

Gabriel Piern, a composer of the French Impressionist era, studied composition with Jules Massenet and organ with Csar Franck at the Paris Conservatory. At the age of 19, he won the Prix de Rome for his cantata *dith*. From then on, while active as conductor of the Colonne Orchestra and organist at the Church of Sainte-Chlo, he composed works in many genres, including opera.”Ramuncho,” included on this album, is incidental music for a play that premiered in 1908. It bears the subtitle Based on Basque Folk Songs, and the suite includes pieces with strong folk elements, such as Fandango and Basque Rhapsody. The ballet music Cidalis and the Shepherd God is one of Pierns most representative works. It premiered at the Paris Opera in 1923 and was later rearranged as a concert suite. Set in the 18th century, the story blends ancient Greek modes with elements of Baroque parody