
Among early 20th century French symphonists -- a small group, considering how the practice was long regarded as the domain of German composers -- few are as obscure and neglected today as
Paul Le Flem (1881-1984), whose long career yielded four attractive symphonies of remarkably high musical quality, fantastic invention, and emotional depth. Thanks to the exceptional Timpani label, conductor
Claude Schnitzler, and the
Orchestre de Bretagne, the
1994 recording of the
Symphony No. 1 in A major is now available again, along with performances of the effervescent
Fantaisie for piano and orchestra, and two moody interludes from Le Flem's opera,
The Magician of the Sea.
Fans of the music of
Vincent d'Indy and
Albert Roussel may note strong similarities in these pieces (Le Flem was their student, after all), but all admirers of atmospheric post-Romantic music will find much to relish on this superb reissue.
La Magicienne de la mer: Lent; Animé
Fantaisie pour piano et orchestra
Symphonie No. 1