Saint-Saens: Symphonies, Vol. 1

“…Soustrot is not far behind in energy and insight, and the Malmö Symphony is comfortable in French shoes.”  - Steve Kruger

“…this new recording by Marc Soustrot conducting the Malmö Symphony Orchestra is not just really good, it’s actually better than all of the others… Soustrot’s Swedish players sound alert and alive and perform with an enthusiasm tempered from the podium by strict discipline. The Sturm und Drang first movement of the A-Minor Symphony is especially well done, intense and exciting but controlled and not overwrought. “ -  Jerry Dubins

“…Soustrot and his Swedish orchestra present both [symphonies] in fine light. …the Malmö orchestra is convincing…”

“Marc Soustrot clearly knows what he wants to bring to the table… In the Symphony #1, this pays off handsomely. The adagio is especially lovely, with an intelligently balanced harp. It’s also paced and phrased in a way that strikes me ideal for finding what dramatic tension this music holds. In the Symphony #2, we find a more mature Camille Saint-Saëns exploring his symphonic abilities. There is tension and depth, and the Malmö Symphony Orchestra plays with both polish and zest. The unique combination of dramatics and effervescence that runs throughout the composer’s work is very much in evidence here. Conductor Soustrot justifies Naxos’ claim that he is a French music specialist throughout the program.”

Supersonic Pizzicato

“Marc Soustrot’s Saint-Saëns performances are perfectly shaped and the playing of the totally committed Malmö Symphony Orchestra is up to the highest standards. The recorded sound is rich and ideally balanced. “

“…I was wholly engrossed in these readings and the playing of the Malmö Symphony Orchestra and the recording of it is up to the highest standards.”

“…The performances from Marc Soustrot and the Malmö Symphony are strong and carefully considered, which admirably suits the symphonies…” ****

“This pairing, well played by the Swedish orchestra, shows Saint-Saëns flexing his symphonic muscles and, particularly in the Second Symphony, showing glimpses of those gifts for orchestration that were to manifest themselves fully later on—notably in the symphonic poem Phaéton, which is where this disc rises above the interesting to the truly stimulating.”

“…The Adagio is a masterpiece of inspiration and drive. Once again, the Malmö Symphony finds colour, phrasing and balance between the music stands…” *****

“The Malmö Symphony Orchestra has a distinguished track record of Naxos recordings, and with this new release they embark on a series of the Saint-Saëns symphonies. Complete Saint-Saëns symphony cycles are rare, the only readily available version is the venerable 1970s set conducted by Jean Martinon. The prospect of this new three volume set, richly embellished with other orchestral works and conducted by acknowledged French music expert Marc Soustrot, will provide a welcome alternative.”

“…Soustrot and his Malmo players respond to this early Saint-Saëns symphonic music with enthusiasm and élan.”

Artistic Quality 9      Sound Quality 9

“In the First Symphony…Soustrot correctly highlights the adventurous writing for the harps, but never tastelessly, and some listeners may feel that the interpretation finds additional expressive depth in music often denigrated as merely sentimental. It’s good to hear it played with no apologies. Soustrot’s exciting and rhythmically sharp reading of Phaéton makes a welcome bonus. This is unquestionably one of the best recordings of the piece, with an especially effective thunderbolt as Zeus hurls the hapless chariot (of the sun) driver from his seat. Attractively natural sonics round out a very promising start to this new series.”