The French In Spain
Naxos, 2025
8/10
The always impressive conductor JoAnn Falletta and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra treat us to the works of 3 French composers, who help us enjoy the warmth, fragrance and color of Spain.
Claude Debussy’s “Images- No. 2 Ibéria” opens, and showcases the dancing strings and soaring winds across the 3 chapters of animated and melodic gestures.
“Alborada del gracioso”, by Maurice Ravel, arrives next and enlists frisky winds and soft ebbs for the cinematic 8 minutes, while Jacques Ibert’s “Escales” mesmerizes us with its calm versus booming presence that spotlights the grand percussion.
Ravel’s “Rapsodie espagnole” exits, and floats in and out of harmonics, colorful songwriting and plenty of wonder and awe.
Falletta feels that the greatest Spanish music was created by the French, and it’s hard to disagree with that when listening to these radiant and timeless selections.
Travels well with: JoAnn Falletta- Contemporary Landscapes; JoAnn Falletta- The Golden Age Of The Horn