Emmanuel Chabrier:
Espana

Maurice Duruflé:
Trois Danses, Op. 6

Camille Saint-Saëns:
Le Rouet d'Omphale in A major, Op. 31

Claude Debussy:
Prelude a l'apres-midi d'un faune

Jacques Ibert:
Escales…

Jules Massenet:
Méditation from 'Thais'

Maurice Ravel:
Rapsodie espagnole

John Wilson and Sinfonia of London release their second album, following widespread and universal critical acclaim for their first recording, of Korngold’s Symphony in F sharp. This new recording explores the unique sound world of French orchestral music of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The programme juxtaposes well-known favourites, such as Debussy’s Prélude a l’apres-midi d’un faune, Massenet’s ‘Méditation’ from Thais, with pieces far more rarely heard, for example Duruflé’s Trois Danses and Saint- Saëns’s Le Rouet d’Omphale). Many of these works evoke the ‘exoticism’ of Spain or North Africa (as was the fashion in French music of this era), and all share the intricate, detailed orchestration that defines the ‘Impressionist’ style. John Wilson and Sinfonia of London capture the mood and spirit of these pieces with consummate skill and outstanding musicianship.

Originally formed in 1955, Sinfonia of London was reestablished in 2018 by the British conductor John Wilson to devote itself, at least initially, to recording projects, of which this is the second album.

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Recording: Church of S. Augustine, Kilburn, London; 6 and 7 September 2019 (Trois Danses, I and III) and 16 – 18 January 2019 (other works)