Symphonies 1 & 2, Song-Koï (Le Fleuve rouge), and Les Tziganes
Wagner, 2026
9/10
Listen to Symphonies 1 & 2, Song-Koï (Le Fleuve rouge), and Les Tziganes
The GRAMMY Award-winning conductor Cristian Măcelaru guides the Orchestre National de France through the symphonic work of Elsa Barraine via these very involved 3 selections.
“Song-Koï: Le Fleuve rouge” opens with 8 chapters of orchestral ideas that follow the symbolic journey of the Red River from its source to the sea, where spiritual and political ideas are present for the detailed and rich gestures.
“Symphony No. 1” lands in the middle and hints at French Romanticism via the modernist edges that are lyrical and rhythmic across the animated and meticulous bouts.
“Symphony No. 2” exits, and embraces conflict, mourning, and renewal, where the lively strings and intimate winds suit the turbulent subject matter and tonally expressive language.
A technical and precise body of work, Barraine’s vision is documented with a rare energy that illuminates Eastern European folk traditions into symphonic genius.
Travels well with: Michael Stephen Brown- Twelve Blocks; New York Polyphony- Sky Of My Heart