The symphonies of Saint-Saëns remain sadly neglected, despite the theoretical popularity, on disc at least, of the Third and last–the so-called “Organ” Symphony. All of them deserve at least occasional exposure: they’re at least as interesting as, say, Mendelssohn or Schumann, and the First Symphony, with its sexy slow movement and processional finale (scored for an additional two saxhorns, four bass clarinets, two cornets, four harps, and cymbals) has no peer in the French symphonic literature of mid 19th century (always excepting Berlioz, of course). This classic set has reigned supreme since the day it was completed in 1975, not that there’s been much competition, of course. Nevertheless, Martinon captures the spirit of these works with the same verve, shapeliness of phrase, and idiomatic flair that characterize his famous recordings of Debussy and Ravel. True, the orchestra is good rather than fabulous, and the recording is a bit cavernous in the French style of the day, but given that fact that this set costs little (whether from EMI or MHS) and includes one of the best modern “Organ” Symphonies, what have you got to lose? Go on! Give your collection a little depth.
