Credits:

Jun Merukuru, Malm Symphony Orchestra

Description:

Like the Bacchanal from “Samson and Delilah,” which is performed independently, Saint-Saens’ operatic works include a number of charming ballet pieces, such as “Ascanio,” composed in 1890. Originally written with Rameau’s works in mind, the entire opera is baroque in style and is rarely performed in its entirety today, but the charming ballet music (overture and 12 dances featuring ancient gods and goddesses) included in this album has been performed in its entirety, some on its own, others in flute versions. Some of the pieces have been performed independently, while others have been made into flute versions, often to the delight of the listener’s ears. Other orchestral works by Saint-Sans that are rarely heard are the prologue to “The Barbarians,” which was intended to be performed in an open-air theater, and the overture to “The Queen in Yellow,” which is set in Japa