Dukas, Paul - Cantates, choeurs et musique symphonique - Niquet, Hervé
2 CD + BookFlemish Radio Choir, Brussels Philharmonic / Hervé Niquet
Considered one of the finest composers of the late French Romantic period, Paul Dukas was also a brilliant orchestrator, known above all for The Sorcerer's Apprentice, one of the most frequently performed works worldwide. But four times, between 1886 and 1889, he failed to win the Prix de Rome competition.
He was a severe critic of his own works, many of which he systematically destroyed, but miraculously several ambitious and varied compositions have survived.
Contents of the bookAlexandre Dratwicki, The Prix de Rome for music (1803-1968)
Paul Dukas, Autobiography
Alexandre Dratwicki, Unknown Paul Dukas
Pauline Ritaine, Paul Dukas' approach to orchestration
Pierre Sérié, 'Velléda' and 'Sémélé': final hesitations of the Institut de France prior to making a reactionary choice
Texts of the cantatas and choruses
+ complete libretto in French and English