Schmitt: Suites from Antoine et Cléopâtre & Symphony No. 2

Featuring

Sakari Oramo
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Florent Schmitt

Did you know?

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Critical Reception

During the 1920 Paris Opéra performances of Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra, for which Schmitt composed music, the two lead stars were reportedly inaudible, unlike a white peacock on stage.

Historical Context

Ida Rubinstein, a wealthy Russian-born performer, commissioned works from notable composers like Debussy, Stravinsky, and Honegger for her independent theatrical productions in Paris.

Composition History

Schmitt's Second Symphony, his last major work, was completed in December 1957 when he was eighty-seven, and he attended its premiere two months before his death.

Performer Biography

Sakari Oramo, the conductor on this album, was awarded 'Conductor of the Year' by the Royal Philharmonic Society in 2015 and is Chief Conductor of both the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra.

Composition History

The Suites from 'Antoine et Cléopâtre' were composed for a lavish Parisian theatrical production by Russian-born Ida Rubinstein, who also played Cleopatra.

Composer Biography

Florent Schmitt, the composer, retained his creative energy until the end of his life, completing his Second Symphony at the age of eighty-seven.

Compositional Technique

Schmitt's music for the Battle of Actium scene in 'Antoine et Cléopâtre' uses a driving 5/8 rhythm and wind chords that could represent full-blown sails or sea swell.