Album Notes

Artémis troublée (ballet) and the String Symphony of Paul Paray

This recording presents for the first the engaging ballet music of Paray's Artémis troublée, and his intensely expressive String Symphony.

The String Symphony was originally composed as a string quartet by Paray when he was a prisoner in Darmstadt during World War I. The complex, but tonal music may reflect the anguish and spiritual turmoil he experienced at the time of writing.

The five-movement ballet Artémis troublée was premiered at the Palais Garnier, Paris, with the famed Ida Rubinstein in the title role and with choreography by Léon Bakst. The story
has to do with the Greek mythological tale of the hunter Acteon who chanced upon the goddess Artemis at her outdoor bath. The ensuing seduction and tragedy are given strong musical expression in Paray's alluring score.

The informative and illustrated CD booklet includes copious program notes with musical themes, bibliography, several excepts of reviews from the premiere, and original ballet costume and stage set designs by Bakst.

Assumption Grotto Orchestra, Eduard Perrone conducting.

From the Critics:

"I think he'd [Paray] be very pleased with this performance [of the String Symphony], lovingly prepared and fervently played." American Record Guide

[Other reviews are in preparation]