Massenet: Orchestral Suites Nos. 4 - 7

"Massenet's orchestral suites are in essence picture-postcard music, but they include plenty of tunes (perhaps not always first-rate ones) and the scoring has characteristic Gallic charm and colour. Best known are the somewhat ingenous Scènes pittoresques and the Scènes alsaciennes. The most touching movement is the beautiful Sous les tilleuls ('Under the Lime Trees'), with its wilting dialogue between cello and clarinet, played here with an affectionate finesse worthy of a Beecham. With full, sparkling, yet warmly atmospheric recording, this is a first-class disc in every way." Penguin Guide (Key recording)