Saint-Saëns - Symphony No 3 in C minor, Op 78 - Järvi
Вставка
- Опубліковано 18 лис 2013
- Support us on Patreon and get more content: / classicalvault
---
Camille Saint-Saëns
Symphony No 3 in C minor, Op 78 'Organ'
1 Adagio - Allegro moderato - Poco adagio
2 Allegro moderato - Presto - Maestoso - Allegro
Thierry Escaich, organ
Orchestre de Paris
Paavo Järvi, conductor
Live recording. London, Proms 2013
I was 18 years old sitting on the 3rd row of Symphony Hall in Boston when I heard the Boston Symphony conducted by Sir John Barbirolli perform this (I cannot recall the organist). At that first tremendous organ chord i thought I was going to be lifted up and carried into the balcony. I am in my 80's now and this is one of my greatest, happiest memories.
I wish I could hear this live. As a child, the church organ provided the only ecstatic moments I got from the service!
What a beautiful story, and how lucky you are to have heard such a legendary conductor! A wonderful memory, thank you so much for sharing it.
The organist was probably Berj Zamchochian, who was the BSO's staff organist at the time
brilliant memory
Eddeeeederedeeeeerdedeeeeereeeeeeeeeeeedeeeeerddeeeeeereedeeeeeeedeerreededdeerddeereeeeeddedeerrededererdervddrrddddfdrďdrdfdeereddrdeerereerrereddrddrrrrrddefđd
Of composing the work, Saint-Saëns said "I gave everything to it I was able to give. What I have here accomplished, I will never achieve again."
C'est si bon !
@Zenon Antruzinon Actually, the composer expressed himself in French: _J'ai tout donné, ce que j'ai accompli ici, je n'y parviendrai plus jamais…_ and a nearer translation is: _I gave everything; what I accomplished here I could never manage [to do] again_ ... So, while both you and Stripe Rich were slightly off the mark, it' s semantic quibbling really.
@Zenon Antruzinon I am "lender to a 'quibble', quibble", am I? "Our original posts constituted its equal foundation and continuity"? Did they indeed?
May I opine that your conclusions are a hostage to correlativity and a sweet retrenchment of cumulative indignation by wearisome acolytes. (Two can play at that game...)
@Zenon Antruzinon Not before time! Must go, I have a small country to run...
Hilarious! We should commission a televised debate between you two. I’ll moderate for a modest, no, a generous, retainer.
I’m addicted to this piece, by this orchestra! I bawled my eyes out listening to it last night driving over to my son and daughter in law’s house, so deeply moved by the music. The more I listen to it the more beautiful it becomes! I can’t get enough.
Some addictions are beneficial to the soul.
I agree wholeheartedly. I was driving when the classical station came on with this composition. I'm a hardened old battle axe. Not much breaks through my crusty exterior but this caught me up in its majesty. I shall happily return time and again to give ear. what a splendid offering
My parents used this as their wedding procession, my mom came down the aisle when the organ kicks in at 29:28. I was 4 years old when they were married and still remember that exact moment. A beautiful piece of music that I hold dear.
Thanks for sharing that. I got chills just thinking of it.
good choice
I walked down the aisle to a delicate piano version of this segment 6 months ago, it's was perfect ☺️ this version ua-cam.com/video/_3LrfYwpTpk/v-deo.html
We are having the glorious last movement played, organ arrangement, as the grand finale to the memorial service next year, for my Dad who died early on in the pandemic, to really celebrate the happy, fulfilled, musically dynamic, triumphant life he had right up to his 95th year...and the fact that he is with Jesus right now, and we'll be reunited one day when Jesus comes back!!!
I thoroghly approve of your parents. It must've been soooo badass
Saint-Saëns, you are truly a genius. This piece is a gift to humanity.
...en realidad uno de los mas grandes compositores que ha dado la humanidad
❤️
A under appreciated genius- Beauty at its purest and finest- from heavens to us! What a gift!!
... and the fifth piano concerto, *TOO!!!!!*
@@Pfaffenfresser1FINE, I'LL HEAR IT! Jeez
The look passed between the two violinists at 29:20 is immortal.
غجج
Pure joy in that moment. Absolutely magical. I like to think they are both picturing a cute pink little pig named BABE.
It's because they use(d) to sleep together
Maybe they were thinking of the song If I Had Words by Scott Fitzgerald & Yvonne Keeley. Listen again to the part at 29:20 and then listen to If I Had Words (ua-cam.com/video/v-FJfor5BuA/v-deo.html)
They are grinning because Jaarvi lost the place...as he must have done in rehearsal!!
The Timpanist looks like he's having so much fun in the last movement
I did when I played it!
That smile of satisfaction from Järvi at the very end, knowing they nailed it.
Priceless.
Am 70 years old, have LOVED classical music since I was in the 3rd grade. There are some pieces that are so stirring, that bring forth so many emotions - Saint-Saen's "Organ" symphony, to me, has no peer in that respect. I am as moved by it today at 70 as I was 40 years ago when I first heard it. If this piece doesn't light your fire, I submit that your heart & soul must be water-logged!
Don't get too arrogant about foisting your musical tastes on others -- most people have no interest in this type of music, because... well they don't need a reason at all, but it's particularly rude to insult their emotional sensitivity becuase they're not turned on by what you are. I would have thought by age 70 you would be mature enough to see that - but apparently not.
Actually I didn't get that impression from him. But on that subject I do get the impression from some classical music haters that think we (classical music lovers) are just silly and phony.
You're talking about arrogance? Read his post. What a condescending, patronizing piece of unthought.@@David_Span
As another person posted, my favourite moment is at 29:20, when the concertmaster turns and smiles at the female violinist sitting behind him and to his left. It's a truly wonderful moment of two musicians enjoying the experience.
Yeah, it’s lovely. Maybe they are an item....
I think it is impossible to avoid thinking that the subtle smile of the violinists, and their joy is in part because they simply can not evade of thinking on Babe and the farmers dance... Who did not see that H I S T O R I C A L cinematographic scene will die without having lived a complete life. I believe that the actor (James Cromwell) could be honoured because of that movie and get an early retirement doing anything else in life, yet he proved immensely he is a real star, a genious actor. What this symphony provokes me is the more genuine laughing/crying at the same time, because of such a vertiginous amount of rememberings, emotions, texture sounds and life experiences that comes into my head (and heart) all at the same time, endures my emotional stability every single time I attend... Cheers from Mendoza, Argentina.
@@gustavolascalea1525 I was wondering the same thing, or he's just proud of how well the performance is going. Or both. Agreed on the movie. That's on the list of must see movies in a lifetime.
After watching this so many times, I've only noticed one of the ?second violins noticed the exchange and smiled.
His smile is a joy to behold. The joy of music. I envy him, but then the privilege of listening is a reward in itself.
28:18 might be the part you're looking for, but listen to the whole symphony too. It's truly great
My hero!
Thank you!
I’m here for 10:42, but yeah it’s a fantastic piece
The Adagio is my fav part
29:18 ... "I am human, and so are you. We are in this together." Such a beautiful moment. The power of music and art to bring people together. If only we would use it more often.
You are completely right!
I always say, if musicians would rule the world, and not politicians, it would be much better here on earth…
Here here
Homo sum et ideo nihil humano mihi alienum puto.
That moment brought me to tears.
This was so fun to play... I hope this pandemic ends soon so we can have orchestra back. Large ensembles are the best part of making music
Music can save the world. Thank you for play this wonderful music
(From south korea)
P L a n d e m i c . . .
I played percussion when we performed this with our uni orchestra it was one of my favourite concerts ever. Really miss playing :(
This was easily one of the very best pieces I've ever performed. My city young orchestra tackled this one all the way back in 1999 and it was certainly something to cherish. I was playing trombone...so fun!
The virus doesn't need to end. The overreaching, hyperbolic, illogical government response to the virus needs to end and/or be ignored. Gather, practice, put on a show. Tell those leeching hypocrites, "WE'VE HAD ENOUGH! Life is more than simply having a heartbeat! Living life is about music, theater, friendships, hugs, smiles, adventure, hobbies, and good ol' labors."
There's a lovely moment at 29:15 when the first violinist turns to the lady behind with a big smile on his face as if to say 'this is what it's all about...' Magically Awesome :)
Totally! Absolutely love the mutual understanding between the two of them :)
@ajb07: "Please fasten your seat belts, keep your hands inside the concert hall at all times, and enjoy the ride."
Yes....great pleasure
Full body chills and tears when I saw that. A moment truly too big for words.
Husband and wife / Lovers / Husband and somebody else's wife ? Intriguing ? ❣
This is a mighty symphony. Saint Saens was a genius.
For sure!
I'm with several others below... That 16 bar (I think) 4-hands piano section in the last movement - standing out as it does and never repeated - is some of the most dramatic and moving music I've ever heard, and it never ceases to move me to tears no matter how many times I've heard it. Whether you believe in a literal heaven or not, you must agree: THAT is the music of heaven.
Yes, indeed! Such a marvellous masterpiece must have a heavenly source…
Yes, this section with the piano: 28:31
Too bad there were no cameras to visualize that performance😢
@@wjcroft72 When the whole orchestra seems to be playing in unison below the piano.
Truly celestial ❤
1er mouvement 2e partie 10:42
2e mouvement 1e partie 20:52 / 2e partie 28:15
(36:05 Do majeur dans toute sa splendeur !)
french symphonic organ ua-cam.com/video/idL1kQex-ss/v-deo.html
助かります！
The term "genius" is overused, but this is truly the work of a genius. It amazes me that this existed in Saint-Saens mind before being placed on paper, and then performed. I will never tire of listening to this masterpiece.
although I don’t super appreciate other works of Saint Saens, I consider this the greatest symphony ever. Yes topping Beethoven great 9th and Mozart Jupiter
28:16 - 30:07 to takes me to heaven....the entry of the pianos is wonderful and that of the organ is beyond this realm.
I came for the "If I had words" theme but stayed for the whole symphony. Beautiful!
"If I had words to make a day for you!!!
Ba ba BA da dum!
I'd sing you a morning golden and new!
I would make this day last for all time!!!!
And give you a night dipped in moooonshine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" 😁😁😁🎶✨🎶✨
Haha, yes!
I've never seen a conductor do so much with his head. He's wonderful.
…and eyes and mouth; he's a joy to watch.
How I agree - That look of soulful expression as the organ takes up the melody and so softly.
Ever seen Dudamel? 😂😂
@@saifnakhleh3351 No, but I'll certainly have a look/listen. Thanks.
Yes he's brilliant and I think there's Neme Jarvii who's done a great 1945 Firebird as well
Look at that thumbs up at 23:51 omggg he's so adorable that's why he's my all-time favourite conductor
He's a great conductor no doubt...
Novak eternal longing
I'm no classical music buff, but I thought this guys facial expressions was hilarious.
Yes, that probably was because the musician to whom it was directed, probably had trouble with it during the rehearsals and Paavo gave him a thumbs up.
Nice of him to do it, though.
I know Jarvi et Hilary get along well too. Amour Paavo Jarvi.
That Timpanist at the end absolutely crushed it. Wow!
I had to do a double take when I saw your comment lol. Small world
I've been listening to this piece for over 40 years and I've heard it performed live more than 20 times. In my view this is the greatest interpretation I've ever heard or will hear in my lifetime. It's a masterpiece of a rendition
I agree. Fantastic orchestra and conductor, although the recording itself could be better.
I told my son (30 years old) he had to hear this piece on his way to work. It took exactly 36 minutes from home to the entrance gate to his work. I had to share this with him. I weep every time I hear those chords at the end. Like the 1812 Overture, the tears just flow at the beauty.
"There's an Italian painter, named Carlotti, and he defined beauty. He said it was the summation of the parts working together in such a way that nothing needed to be added, taken away or altered"... and that's it. It's beautiful..
Seems reasonable to me.
Saint-Saens himself once said "a mistake corrected is a thing of great beauty."
I. Adagio - Allegro moderato - Poco adagio 0:07
II. Allegro moderato - Presto - Maestoso - Allegro 20:54
You are the reason I read the comments section 😂
glooks
On my CD by the Montreal Quebec orchestra people there are 4 movents I detect a Decca thing going on the score I have seen in a library was 2 movements whoever published it.
@@robbell9444 "Although the symphony seems to follow the normal four-movement structure, and many recordings divide it in this manner, it was actually written in two movements: Saint-Saëns intended to create a novel two-movement symphony. The composer did note in his own analysis of the symphony, however, that while it was cast in two movements, "the traditional four movement structure is maintained." Wikipedia
@@ferociousgumby the score was indeed 2 halfs and I detripletified my Adagio in Cm op 1 by Rob Bell on SoundCloud free to listen to so enjoy if you want it's 6min 30 secs so concise.
Someone: Mr. Saint Saens, how many instruments will you include on your third symphony?
Saint Saens: YES!
Mahler: hold my beer.
ua-cam.com/video/58fKby1c76E/v-deo.html [audio only]
(start with 8 contrabass, then add 8 horns, 8 trumpets and 7 trombones, 4 harps, 3 choirs and 8 soloists, plus organ, piano, celeste, harmonium, plus ...)
Saint Saens "Damn. The Artillery didn't show up with the 25 pounders. Have to make the best without them. Damn Tchaikovsky beats me again. Anybody bring an 80-pound sledge hammer at least ?".
"Yes" is not a number...🙄
@@vanhouten64 exactly
@@vanhouten64 You didn't understand the meme ...
I always break out into goose bumps and chills at the moment the organ comes in like a thunderbolt from the sky!
It’s basically the most thrilling moment in the entire history of music. So very clever, genius
"Like a thunderbolt from the sky" Perfectly well said. Just like that, yes yes!! 👌🏻👌🏻
This symphony has made me cry way too many times...
Similar here: I was a kid and already in bed, my father listened to this on his large Stereo, later they told me they found me crying in my sleep... nevertheless I got to know the piece soon after (great Philadelphia recording with Ormandy) and love it to this day very much.
Same here. A pack of tissues right by my side, with that Grand Finale!
Every time ! Without fail the eyes water,& the throat constricts. That pig has got a lot to answer for !
Same here! I played 2nd flute in a performance of this once, and I saw the conductor wipe his eyes during the slow part. I don't think it was sweat.
Me too. Great pieces like this are cosmic in their beauty.... Touches me to my soul.
After such a terrific performance I'm one of those people who likes to watch the orchestra and conductor soak up the applause.
Me too, but I suspect that the people who enrich our lives by posting these videos are sometimes infringing copyright. As soon as the credits start to roll, the source of the recording becomes apparent - in this case it’s probably the BBC. And at the end of the credits there will usually be an explicit Copyright symbol which the poster certainly wouldn’t want to show! Actually it’s a complex issue for me: copyright laws are intended to protect the livelihoods of the artists, of course. Maestro Jarvi isn’t short of a bob or two, but orchestral players are not always - imho - paid what they deserve, so I feel better about buying a legit DVD of a concert than I do about watching it on UA-cam. But that doesn’t stop me doing a lot of the latter, so you would be right to call me a hypocrite...
Putting organ and piano into a symphony and making it sound good requires remarkable audacity and talent.
ua-cam.com/video/idL1kQex-ss/v-deo.html
One of my favorite pieces: Beethoven’s Vth. first , with this and the 1812 Overture tied for second
Saint-Saens put everything he had into this glorious symphony.
So he said.
Made a wonderful job of it too.
I love when the violinist in 29:21 looks to the lady behind him and both smile. Meanwhile the four hands at the piano sound gently, as a harp. Excuse my english.
anita anita Maybe he tried to say her: "you were right... everything is going excellent..."
I remember that feeling when I played symphony.......It always means we nailed it, pure perfection! 😍
I feel the two smiling violinists were thinking about the most immortal pig in history: That DIVINE Babe that taught much to the world...
they are in love
I have the feeling the cameraman knew they were going to do that. I wonder what was going on there.
When I first heard this piece, I was driving along the West Shoreway in Cleveland with the local classical FM station on the radio.
When the last movement began, I had to pull over. When the 4 hand piano portion began, I was in tears. The UTTER MAJESTY of this work has made it one of my favorites and moves me to tears each and every time!
Richard Bachert I cannot get enough of it myself. Absolute favourite!
Especially this , beautiful.
I know this piece for about 50 years, and it's more or less the same with me... tears always come to my eyes, especially in the final bars. It's really what one can call a MASTERPIECE.
Having an organ in the symphony gives it unparalleled MAJESTY!
Have you heard Sibelius's 7th symphony?
+Maxwell Kaye Not yet; is it more majestic than his 2nd Symphony?
I think Paavo may be the most elegant conductor I have ever seen
The second section of the first movement (start from 10:42 to 20:40) is the most touching and comforting one's heart. It is my favorite of this work. The most touching melody start from 14:56 to 16:20. It is so soft and so touching in my heart.
Completely agree, those 10 or so minutes brings out of me so many emotions, but the whole piece is mesmerizing, the expressions of the conductor is unbelievable, love that move hand down once the organ comes on.
So beautifully dreamy.
In my book, nothing surpasses that timpani solo that brings the symphony to a glorious finish. Superb!.
Except maybe the drum solo in In A Gadda Da Vida by Iron Butterfly. (No, seriously.)
Years ago, I sought the music for a childhood favorite film about a pig on a farm, hoping that I would find the full theme. I have, and it is more beautiful than I thought possible.
"Babe"!
The violinist who looks back, the timpaniist at the end, and of course maestro jarvi....everyone is feeling themselves. They KNOW it's superlative . In my top five for sure.
yubicc Yes, I like how the concertmaster is excited about that part.
A music you can fall in love with, exactly like a person.
Accidentally I stumbled upon Saint-Saëns’ cemetery monument in Montparnasse, and this symphony seemed to come out of nowhere in my memory. Ah, how much lovelier Paris just became at that moment.
How beautiful life is when music like this is playing :).
28:56 feels like confetti or glitter falling from the sky!!! it's what the ✨ emoji sounds like!!!!
I've never seen an orchestra so caught up in performance. National pride is very apparent. A scene like this makes me think of Rick's Cafe when the French stood up to sing La Marseillaise. Goes without saying that this was an incredibly moving performance. Bravo!
Watch Andre Riev on UA-cam sometime.
One of the best UA-cam performances of this beautiful chestnut. Jarvi conducts the work as if he truly understands it and loves it. Nothing is overdone, and nothing is slighted, either. He conducts it "French Style" - critical to a successful performance of this piece (many conductors take a Brahms or Mahleresque approach to this work - with disastrous results). On the glance at the other violinist at 29:21, watch the lady for the last 10-15 seconds before that glance from the other violinist - she evidently loves that passage, and he glances at her as if to say: "We did it perfect, didn't we?" Excellent performance all around.
And for a French Orchestra to come to London to do this? C'est magnifique.
Classical music is the best music of them all and you can’t tell me otherwise
100% NO DOUBT ABOUT IT
All a matter of personal taste. Many people, me included, love different musical genres. There are Beethoven and Mahler moments, and there are Sinatra and ZZ Top moments, and I revel in them all. The trick is not to play them at the same moment. 😁
28.12. The orchestra is waiting, the conductor is waiting, the live audience is waiting, we are waiting. Then wham - it comes! one of the most powerful pieces of music in history
In my humble opinion, the most PHENOMENAL symphony finale EVER! Other suggestions anyone???
You can try Stravinsky fire bird
The Tschaikovsky 4th has to be right up there (but you have to sail in using the contrast from the pizzicato section, so include that too before the ending...)
Yes, I agree wholeheartedly
The end of Sibelius 2 has to be right up there.
Beethoven’s 9th
Dude at 29:19 is soaking in every beautiful moment: "I can't believe I get to be a part of this!" It makes me happy they got a shot of him on film.
ahhh the tear running down his face!! ME TOO, BUDDY!!!
One of the greatest symphonies ever composed. The organ is an unusual but absolutely brilliant stroke of genius!
with a french symphonic pipe organ ua-cam.com/video/idL1kQex-ss/v-deo.html
yes, and the greatest instrument of all plus loudest... lol. very nice. Organ can drown out the whole orchestra but it restrains
It's some kind of Mozart next level shit!
Is it customary to clap between movements for this particular symphony?
@WK no, clapping supposed to be at the end of a piece not between movements
What a privilege it is to hear a work like this without commercial breaks...Thank you!
Most of Saint-Saëns's mature works are masterpieces, but I firmly believe that this is the best thing he ever wrote. It's masterfully scored, filled with memorable melodies, and its structure is brilliantly paced.
So good I wish he wrote more symphonies or even a tone poem
@@OboeFiles I think there are actually 4 symphonic poems written by him.
He wrote 5 wonderful piano concertos, a great cello concerto no 1, and the opera Samson and Delilah, plus lots of other music.
The 1st and 2nd symphonies of his are rarely performed but many great recordings exist. It's great to hear his growth over the 3 of them and can see how he borrowed heavily from the 2nd to write the 3rd.
"I gave everything to it I was able to give. What I have here accomplished, I will never achieve again."
-Saint-Saens on Symphony No.3 in C minor op 78.
Gotta love conductor Paavo Jarvi's expression of joy at the completion of this performance!
Wow! You can tell from Maestro Järvi's smile after the very last note how overwhelmingly epic that finish plus the audience's roar of applause was... Truly a fantastic performance of a masterpiece.
You forgot to add **AWESOME**. Why did you leave out **AWESOME**??...lol
Watching this today made me cry. I miss playing in an orchestra so much and 2020 took that away from us. I played this a few years ago in Benaroya Hall; what an epic experience.
We were probably in the audience. ❤️
@@robertagregory7177 me too!
Wall of sound. That is an orchestra
THIS is how the third symphony of Saint-Saens should be played. A powerful organ given pride of place so that dominates; not like some “tin whistle” hidden in a corner squeaking like in some performances. Well done!!!
You mean, Saint-Saens didn't compost a Concerto for Tin Whistle??...lol
The best reading of this piece that I've ever heard is Paul Paray, Marcel Dupree, Detroit Symphony on Mercury Living Presence, 1958. Unbelievable. It's even more exciting than this performance. They got the critical timings and balances right, where this performance slips a bit here and there (it's a difficult piece to play or conduct). It's been re-released several times on CD. The vinyl of course, is to die for. This and Beethoven's 9th. Music doesn't get any better.
Having watched this very video probably 100 times by now, I must say the release on the final chord is absolutely perfect. Chills every. Single. Time.
I was bawling so hard in the car riding listening to this the other day!! Sobbing over the notes, composition, dynamics, harmonies, beauty and over all best piece of music ever! Couldn’t believe I was crying so hard and so deeply moved by this piece of music. I’m turning my almost 2 year old grand daughter onto this piece. Every Friday when I babysit her we sit and listen to it together.
Wow...wow....I 1st heard this on a Sony walkman 20 yrs ago. I think Andre Previn conducting, i was captivated by the work but stunned by final movement. It was glorious and transcendent. Unfortunately my stupid walkman swallowed the tape...ugh. I've spent many years and $$ looking for a performance that GRABBED me like the 1ST time. This is IT. Speechless..The grace, power and sensitivity expressed are simply incredible. Thankyou to the musicians for your heart and soul!!!!
Ah yes, I well remember numerous favourites getting eaten up in my cassette player, much longer than 20 years ago. Glad you found this rendition as fulfilling. I agree - it's "glorious and transcendent".
"Wow...wow....I 1st heard this on a Sony walkman 20 yrs ago."
EXACTLY!! More like 35 years ago. Wore the cassette tape out. Thought I was hearing something then. THIS was SO MUCH more SATISFYING!
Check out the reading of this piece by Paul Paray, Marcel Dupree, Detroit Symphony on Mercury Living Presence, 1958. Unbelievable. I think it's even more exciting than this performance. They got the critical timings and balances right, where this performance slips a bit here and there (it's a very difficult piece to play or conduct). It's been re-released several times on CD. The vinyl of course, is to die for. This and Beethoven's 9th. Music doesn't get any better.
Just look at the smiles on their faces during the double paino/organ section…… they all know what they’re doing and how magnificent it is 😂
One of the greatest masterpieces in classical music history an incredible organ symphony nothing like this since and never will be again, Period !!!!!
why is this piece so awesome? I've been listening to it for like 3 months and i'm not even bored yet especially at 7:02
Especially that bass drop at 7:13
To me one of the best symphonies ever... Comparable to Beethoven's symphonies, Schubert's... Tchaikovsky's... A glorious piece of music.
It’s my personal favorite. I don’t know if any other symphonies that build to their final movements quite like this one does. I know that Mahler is considered the crème of the crop when it comes to epic finales in classical music, but the way this symphony’s final movement starts with a simply phenomenal amount of power, then retreats back only to somehow end with a bigger bang than it started with is simply unparalleled. Saint Saens is such an underrated composer in my book.
holy... That chord from the organ at 28:16 blew me away!
in person it will knock you over
I nearly fell over the Dress Circle Balcony at St. George’s Hall, Bradford last Thursday night at that point! 😲
I walked down the aisle to this (the famous, 'Babe theme' bit) and it never fails to give me goosebumps 🥰
Love when Symphony music begins slowly and quietly, I'm not the only one ???
KUNSTENAAR the slower start is like an invitation to forget everything and let go of anything that hinders us from the pleasure of listening. We’re bombarded daily with impulses killing our senses. In this piece all of my senses are resurrected.
Whatever works best for the piece. Can you imagine Eroica or the Fifth with a slow and quiet beginning?
Symphony music??? Uncultured swine...
Yes, slow, quiet, gentle then wait for it, wait for it GLORY! Listen also to Beethoven no. 5 pf cto at last movement
So reminds me of the opening of Schubert's Unfinished
Wow......probably the best version I've heard.....beautiful balance between the orchestra organ piano and percussion. Being a percussionist I especially love how punctuated the timpanist were as most recordings their a muddied mess and the keyboardist inside loves how the organ was distinct strident and pronounced without being overpowered or overpowering, great use of the swells and very delicate registration from whisper to wallop and gentle to gigantic. And a final nod to the piano being perfect dynamic. Too often it disappears in the strings but this version it stands out just enough to and a crystalline twinkle to the strings. Come to think of it the rest of the orchestra was in perfect balance too! Everyone was working together and sharing the spotlight rather than competing and muddying the overall timbre. Best version ever.!
Check out the reading of this piece by Paul Paray, Marcel Dupree, Detroit Symphony on Mercury Living Presence, 1958. Unbelievable. It's even more exciting than this performance. They got the critical timings and balances right, where this performance slips a bit here and there (it's a very difficult piece to play or conduct). It's been re-released several times on CD. The vinyl of course, is to die for. This and Beethoven's 9th. Music doesn't get any better.
yep 🤠
Yes indeed.....BRAVI TUTTI from Mexico City!
I always enjoy coming back to this recording. Just goes to show that there are times for subtlety and delicacy, and there are times you just gotta break a few windows and blow a few doors open.
I love the way you put it!
I remember some of the early CD recording labels..BIS in particular that had warning labels regarding playback through inferior sound system equipment..
This is one of the better interpretations on UA-cam. It's frustrating though, it's a difficult symphony to do justice for over video or even audio recording. There's something magical about hearing that organ in real life, especially for the 3rd movement. I've seen it performed twice, once at BBC Proms, and both times I got serious chills down my spine when that organ starts in the final minute. It's simply incredible! A glorious, marvelous and awe inspiring piece of music.
I agree! So inspiring and elevating!
But there are only two movements in this piece…
A recording will never do justice to this piece. It has to be experienced live to get the full force of the deep organ notes. I have a good CD recording and play it through a reasonable music system with the addition of a subwoofer. When played loud it makes the floor vibrate and sort of goes some way towards reproducing a live experience- but not exactly. If it’s ever played live near you, go and listen. There’s nothing like it.
Wait, there are only two movements...
There are four, usually played 1+2, 3+4. The organ plays in movements 2 and 4.
Once in the 90's I put this on the stereo, then got up on a ladder to paint the living room. I couldn't get down to adjust the volume, and by the end the neighbors were practically calling the police on me.
I remember listening to Brahms Piano Concerto No1 before a massive thunderstorm hit when I must have been about early teens, phenomenal
@@flossie1961 What,the storm or the music?
@@darrylschultz9311 Both!
@Voracious Reader and when you cannot hear the music so you pull your phone up the ear and the extremely loud finals starts!
That must have turned out to be one hell of a paint job
Quelle magnifique exécution de cette magnifique symphonie...superbe orchestre ..bcp de plaisir, intense émotion pour une oeuvre que j'aime bcp. C'est là que je dis souvent que l'interprète, d'une certaine façon, recrée l'oeuvre....elle est là, mais la vie c'est l'interprète qui la lui donne..ou pas. Cette fois c'est pleinement accompli, selon moi.
Fantastic. But I am amazed how much criticism emanates from those people who fail to listen and enjoy gathering some sort of glee from such minor imperfections of a glorious piece and symphony. There are those who can do and then there are critics.
Absolutely!
I wonder how many critics of the nitpicking variety go to many live concerts.
When I was a child a relative gave a recording of this symphony to my father, who had no interest in such music and never played it. It was a Boston Symphony performance, with Charles Munch conducting. I listened to it so often I eventually had it memorized. The passionate exchange that takes place among the violins in the first movement still moves me to tears, even after 65 years of listening to it.
Some people are blind to great art; they are to be pitied. They have no idea what they are missing.
No doubt for me: Saint-Saëns was a incredibly great composer. His piano concertos, this symphony, Samson et Dalilah, originality and beauty in music themes and orchestration. And Maestro Jarvi with this msgnificent orchestre de París, OMG !! Outstanding, awesome!!
Per me la dance macabre è ..cosmica!!
Danse Macabre is very clever and spooky.
One organ surpassing 120(?) other instruments, fabulous.
@@hans2406 I mean the organ is the size of a building. Probably has 50 puppies (pipes, but autocorrect made that pretty funny) per single instrument in the orchestra.
Gets me every time.
It was a biting cold Friday evening when I first heard this symphony live; played by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra at Meyerhoff Hall. One of the most memorable of all my live concerts. The slow movement almost made me melt out of my seat onto the floor. I had never before heard anything so otherworldly beautiful. A true musical revelation for me. It took me way, way, way over there. Fabulous performance in that great Proms Hall! PWG
I had the great honour to perform this work years ago in NY as organist along with the members of the Manhattan Opera Orchestra. A great work surprisingly not very difficult but sounding wonderful. Sadly the classical pipe organ is often overlooked by composers. Thankfully Saint-Saens composed this wonderful work.
It's definitely not overlooked here. I have listened to this piece no less than 50 times, and I am giddy with anticipation for the entire 25+ minutes it takes to get there. One would think I should skip the first movement and just head straight to the second, but no. It deserves the full build.
Drop-jawed astounding composer, composition, conductor, orchestra, performance, and the spiritual, mental, and physical waves of euphoria that sweep through me when I hear this. How could anyone with ears and a heart vote this down?
When the organ comes in, it is like God is listening to the symphony and decides to sing along. Awesome!
The majestic organ piece at the end is shown in the Eiffel Tower portion of the 360 film at the France Pavillion at Disney World’s EPCOT Center. The first time I heard it as a young adult, I called every one I could at Disney trying to find the titles of that music. It made an enormous impression on me.
For big show pieces like this there’s no better place than the RAH. The sound of a large orchestra with the mighty organ is incredible and fills the vast space with a titanic wave of sound.
I have heard recordings of this piece many times but last week my eldest daughter and I went to a performance at Symphony Hall, Birmingham (UK). It was given by the London Concert Orchestra. To hear it live is to truly be able to appreciate what a great adventure in music this is. At times intimate it moves to the collosal without hesitation. It is cosmic. Suddenly the universe is transcended and reduced to the size of a head of a pin! Saint-Saens must have been exhausted at its completion.
"To see a world in a grain of sand,
And a heaven in a wild flower.
To hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
And eternity in an hour." William Blake.
Perfect.
Dr. Jacob Bronowski closed Episode 10 ("World Within World") of his extraordinary 1973 series "The Ascent of Man" with those four opening lines from "Auguries of Innocence."
@@AJNorth Which was my introduction to Blake. Curious that a scientist would be interested in the work of an English mystic. The Ascent of Man is one of the four most influential books in my life.
@@troopship12
Bronowski was a true polymath; in particular he was fascinated by William Blake for much of his life.
His first book about him, "A Man Without a Mask," was published in 1944. In 1958 his famous Penguin selection of Blake's poems and letters was published. "William Blake and the Age of Revolution," was published in 1965. In some ways, it is a revised edition of "A Man Without a Mask"
- in others, a new book giving a stimulating interpretation of Blake's art and poetry in the context of the revolutionary period in which he lived.
As you certainly know, "The "Ascent of Man" book is a transcript of Bronowski's extemporaneous spoken essays delivered directly to the viewer through the lens of the camera (with insignificant edits to make it more readable). If you have not yet seen the thirteen-episode series, then I cannot recommend it highly enough. Though the visuals are powerful (and often stunning), it is his voice and delivery that are truly revelatory (for example, the emotion conveyed in his voice discussing his close friend Leo Szilard in Episode 11, "Knowledge or Certainty").
Ray Bradbury ended his review of Loren Eiseley's "The Night Country" in the Los Angeles Times, "I have read everything this man has written. Loren Eiseley changed my life." Bronowski and Eiseley changed mine.
@@AJNorth Thank you for such a full and thoughtful reply. Somewhere on my bookshelves is one of Bronowski's anthologies of Blake. I have been trying to persuade my childen, so far without success, to read the Ascent or at least chapter 11 (Knowledge or Certainty) which I personally regard as the most significant. The language and even the very title are probably dated by now but there is so much worth reading and considering. The scene of him standing in the pool at Auschwitz is very affecting. As you know he was not afraid to use philosophy as well as poetry to make his point, even surprisingly Oliver Cromwell. In my view he understood what it is to be human.
Eiseley I do not know but I suspect I'm about to find out. More books to add to my reading list!
With my best wishes.
@@troopship12
You are more than welcome (and thank you for your kind words).
As previously mentioned, "The Ascent of Man" had had a profound effect upon me; it was in a philosophy of science course that I first encountered the series. "Knowledge or Certainty" is arguable THE most powerful production that I have ever seen on television, and at its conclusion (which, of course, ran the end credits in silence), the class was in shock; many were in tears.
Alas, the copyright police have seen to it that full episodes are not published at UA-cam (except for an exception or two with time compression that shifts Bronowski's magnificent voice, or a distracting envelope surrounding the video), but there are several pertaining to the series. Somewhere, I had either read or heard in an interview with someone associated with the production that the closing scene with Bronowski stepping into the pond at Auschwitz, reaching down and bringing up a handful of the muck at the bottom was unscripted and totally spontaneous; the crew were flabbergasted. In post-production, the slow-motion effect was added as the final coda.
Indeed, quoting Cromwell was a remarkable way to bring his point home, and Bronowski's manner of speaking, from cadence and phrasing to pitch, magnified the effect greatly (just as, for example, at the conclusion of Episode 10, culminating in the Blake quotation).
Loren Eiseley was introduced to me by my undergraduate physics adviser a lifetime ago (whose home more resembled a library with some furniture, which he and his wife shared with several shelter cats). One day in his lab (where I had a student assistantship), he asked, "Do you know about Loren Eiseley, young fellow?" to which I replied, "No, I don't." A book was immediately placed on my desk in front of me, a copy of "The Night Country" (1971). Though my library is currently in storage, nevertheless there are passages of several of his books committed to memory, one of which I should like to share:
"Many years ago, when the first cement sidewalks were being laid in our neighborhood, we children took the paw of our dog Mickey and impressed it into a kind of immortality, even as he modestly floundered and objected. Some time ago, after the passage of many decades, I stood and looked down at that actual walk, now crumbling at the edges from the feet of many passers.
No one knows where Mickey the friendly lies. No one knows how many times the dust that clothed that beautiful and loving spirit has moved with the thistledown across the yards where Mickey use to play. This is his only legacy to the future, that dabbled paw mark, whose secret is remembered briefly in the heart of an aging professor."
("The Night Country" - introduction to Chapter 7, "Paw Marks and Buried Towns")
Yes, many books to discover...
One final book to mention: "Out of My Later Years," by Albert Einstein (Philosophical Library, New York; 1950).; in it is a short essay, "Self-Portrait" (1936):
"Of what is significant in one's own existence one is hardly aware, and it certainly should not bother the other fellow. What does a fish know about the water in which he swims all his life?
The bitter and the sweet come from the outside, the hard from within, from one's own efforts. For the most part, I do the thing which my own nature drives me to do. It is embarrassing to earn so much respect and love for it. Arrows of hate have been shot at me too; but they never hit me, because somehow they belonged to another world, with which I have no connection whatsoever.
I live in the solitude which is painful in youth, but delicious in the years of maturity."
With warmest best wishes.
Cheers,
AJN
The adagio section of the first movement was one of the most beautiful and transcendent pieces of music I have heard in a long time.
How a composer can use the same theme through numerous reincarnations is amazing. Truly a masterpiece
So true. Parts of Danse Macabre are in here too.
Although just sitting here alone at my computer listening, at the conclusion I still wanted to stand up and cheer. Magnificent. Also, in addition to kudos to the conductor and the orchestra, the director of the video was also outstanding. So many times he would focus on an important lead instrument at just the right time and the camera work and shots used were just wonderful. Usually I just listen to the music, but this time I was also entranced by the visual element.
Most times they show the wrong instrument at the wrong time. Not this time!
All about that bass!
Very often they are out of synch and the camera is anywhere but where it should be. I find it very frustrating, although I usually listen whilst I am reading, in which case it does not matter.
Piano could have done with a bit more attention though…
Poor guys sitting at the piano, waiting for their turn for half an hour, but camera doesn't show them even for a second. When organs enter, camera shows bass section instead. Nevertheless, the music is divine, can't get it out of my head. What a great man composed it, not to mention those who preformed so brilliantly!
22:36 & 22:46 the pianist appear at
And that for only 6 maesures !!
That may account for the fact that he has lost concentration, and gets out of sync with the organ and everyone else. Watch their faces....
The worst part is that the piano parts are much, much harder than the organ parts, and yet get no glory. I've actually performed the organ part (with no real organ training), but I think I'd never be able to do the piano parts. Those double handed scales are so fast.
I know what you mean. The camera should have focused on the pianists playing those beautiful arpeggios at 28:50.
The TV Director missed badly there.
This has to be one of the best live performances. By the end of the last heart rending organ chord I was nearly in tears 😢
It's hard to find a good live performance, and some of the most acclaimed recordings sound noticeably false because the orchestra and organ are in different places (the orchestra in a concert hall or recording studio, the organ in some cathedral). This Proms performance is outstanding, vivid, exciting, and technically well-executed, and of course the magnificent organ in the Albert Hall is right there towering above the orchestra. Also nice that it's a French orchestra playing Saint-Saëns. Let's give a shout out to the BBC too for an excellent recording. In every way, one of the greats.
Next time drop the "nearly"!
And for all you young people listening for the first time... no electronic amplifiers, no speakers, no artificial sounds, just pure, overwhelming acoustical power generated by real musical instruments. And the incredibly powerful and deep organ pedal sounds are made by wind blown pipes that stand a full 32 feet tall and literally shake the building to its foundation.
Something is driving that powerful organ.
C'est vrai !
Being a professionally trained organist I can attest to the beauty of properly played organ
@@stephenpowstinger733 For centuries it was humans pumping huge bellows to supply the wind. Some places were lucky enough to be near a river and used a waterwheel to pump the bellows. At the beginning of the twentieth century electric motors replaced humans and waterwheels.
Wonderfully, since its last restoration, the massive pumps do not make a colossal SHOOSH sound as they come up to pressure. The RAH Organ is so much greater now without the asthma.
Never been there, but judging from these prom concerts, Royal Albert Hall appears to be the finest concert hall in the world!
No the Albert Hall is far from being the best for acoustics as it's too large for many works but when it comes to the massive pieces requiring a huge orchestra/chorus it's a winner - absolutely blows your mind!
Some wit once said of St Saens, "he lacks inexperience"
I remember playing this right before Covid.
I played it less than 3 weeks before the lockdown.
God I still remember it. I still hear it. Section S of the second movement. M of the first.
I still have parts of it memorized.
When you play a piece like this you feel it for years after. I feel like its in my heart and I almost feel like crying because I won't be able to play it again with my group all together. I with I could again.
This makes it a little easier.
Also, Violas, did anyone else die a little when everyone else got these magnificent parts and we were playing like the same three notes for like two pages? I loved it a little and like I know its important for the song but I just. sadge.
Standing ovation from me!!!
I heard this piece first time at a fureral. The father of my best girlfriend. Starting the last movement in a huge 500 year old cathedral.
When the organ started it fell like : ok all is done, now the gates of heaven open and come in, God is expecting you.
Lucky you !!!!
Remember the lyrics from American Pie: "And the 3 men I admired most, the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost, they took the last train for the coast, the day the Music died..."
Wow! That last chord!
I love how at 20:38 everyone lets out the coughs they’ve been holding in for the past twenty minutes all at once!
I can't get enough of this great works, I listen at least 2X per week! LOVE IT!!
I remember the first time I heard this...as a bassist playing it in a symphony in Seattle under George Shangrow. It was a religious experience :-)
Actually, it is transcendental....Each and every time I listen to it!
To really appreciate the magnificence of this work, especially the final movement, it has to be heard live.
I heard it for the first time thanks to an orchestra of my country, and it was absolutely amazing.
Glad you enjoyed it. You are not alone.
Agree! The brass section will rattle your bones!
Or played if you're one of the musicians. Got to play this in my graduate school days. So much fun.
I read this comment. I imagined myself listening to it live. Sorry, I've got something in my eye.
This transcends music! It is more than the composition, the instruments, the musicians! It is of another realm, almost heavenly.
This is what the Holy Spirit does with human genius. So the word transcending is correct, and the reference to heaven also. Except that the Holy Spirit is here on Earth among us, including - maybe especially - in the awful 2020s... He offers signs through Scripture, nature, culture and Rapture, all with a view to strengthening our Discipleship ... or starting it up for us.
As always, Järvi delivers impeccably. I've never had to disagree with a single thing he does. A truly great conductor.
Saint Saens himself said it was impossible to do something greater than this.Such a masterpiece.