Godard Symphonie Gotique & Symphony 2

[Alan Howe]

...forthcoming from cpo:
https://www.jpc.de/jpcng/cpo/detail/-/art/benjamin-godard-symphonie-gotique/hnum/8456432

[Gareth Vaughan]

Very excited by this release. I wonder if they will do Godard's other symphonies (including perhaps Op. 39, Le Tasse, Symphonie dramatique for Soli, Chorus and Orchestra - one can but hope). Symphonie orientale, Op. 84, has been recorded on Dutton, but there are also: Symphonie-Ballet, op. 60 and Symphonie legendaire, Op. 99, of the purely orchestral symphonies unrecorded.

[FBerwald]

I have always wondered about the Op. 60 - Is it an orchestral Symphony or is it a Piano composition; Also I remember reading somewhere that there was a Symphony No. 1 [without a title!] Am I wrong?
In any case I have always had a soft spot for Godard and really is a very exciting release. 

[Gareth Vaughan]

The Symphonie-Ballet is an orchestral work. There is a full score in Harvard University Library. Godard made arrangements of the music for piano solo and piano 4 hands. Also, I must add a correction to my earlier post: the Symphonie Legendaire is NOT a purely orchestral work; it is for orchestra with soprano, contralto and baritone soloists + women's chorus. I suspect, therefore, that this and "Le Tasse" will remain unrecorded 

[FBerwald]

I suspect, therefore, that this and "Le Tasse" will remain unrecorded

I don't see why not, in case the plan is to record Complete symphonies of Godard! In any case it would be lovely to listen to the famous "Le Tasse" some day

[Gareth Vaughan]

Why? Because pieces with soloists & chorus always cost a lot more to perform and record, than purely orchestral works. But, of course, I hope very much that we will get to hear "Le Tasse" someday.

[musiclover]

I have been hoping we would get more Godard from Martin Yates on Dutton, Widor seems to have taken his focus though, of course not a bad thing. I hear he is doing a big Vaughan Williams piece this summer with singers and chorus, so maybe Dutton is up for doing works that are not purely orchestral. Perhaps someone should give them a Godard nudge....gently of course!

[ncouton]

Since I consider I know very well these two symphonies (I originated the project), I can tell you the music is very very interesting. Don't miss this disc!

[Alan Howe]

Thanks, M. Couton - that's good to know. My copy's on order.

[Gareth Vaughan]

Mine too. Do you know if there is any chance of the other symphonies being recorded?

[Alan Howe]

What can you tell us about these symphonies, M. Couton? There must be something special about them for you to be so enthusiastic about them...

[FBerwald]

CPO seems to be publishing booklets for new releases on the website - This is new. From the liner notes I understand there were a total of 11 symphonies - only 6 published, rest are unfinished or lost. Interestingly enough, the booklet has the heading Benjamin Godard: the complete symphonic works. Could CPO have plans to record all available Orchestral works ..... ?!?

[Gareth Vaughan]

Have you a link to this booklet, please? I can't seem to find it.

[FBerwald]

I just followed the url Alan posted on top. If you cant see it, try refreshing the page. It appears below the cover art.

[Gareth Vaughan]

Thanks. Got it.