Saint-Saëns: Symphonic Poems on Prospero Classical

[Wheesht]

Swiss label Prospero have released a CD with symphonic poems by Saint-Saëns, played by the Sinfonieorchester Basel conducted by Ivor Bolton. The label website states that 'For the first time, they have been recorded here on CD, including the popular «Bacchanale» from Samson et Dalila, according to Hugh Macdonald's new critical edition published by Bärenreiter.'

[Maury]

Swiss label Prospero have released a CD with symphonic poems by Saint-Saëns, played by the Sinfonieorchester Basel conducted by Ivor Bolton. The label website states that 'For the first time, they have been recorded here on CD, including the popular «Bacchanale» from Samson et Dalila, according to Hugh Macdonald's new critical edition published by Bärenreiter.'

Is this accurate? I see alternative CD recordings for all of the listed works on the linked CD. Or are they talking merely about some revised edition scores?? Also seems rather short measure at 50 minutes if the timings are accurate.

[Wheesht]

The wording is perhaps slightly misleading. They are the first recordings of these works made according to Hugh Macdonald's new critical edition published by Bärenreiter .

[eschiss1]

I understood  ... the closing modifier was there for a reason after all.

[Ilja]

"For the first time, they have been recorded here on CD, including the popular «Bacchanale» from Samson et Dalila, according to Hugh Macdonalds› new critical edition published by Bärenreiter"

Okay, could we please stop this? I know this practice has been de rigueur in the Bruckner world, but presenting an often-recorded, well-known piece (or set of pieces, as is the case here) as a world premiere just because someone pasted a bunch of footnotes into a score is just deceptive marketing. And, honestly, suggests a lack of faith in the intrinsic merits of the recording itself.

Talking of which: such lack of faith is entirely unwarranted, because this is a great recording. Sensitive, played with lightness and gravitas where it matters, Bolton (who already gave us a very good rendition of Fauré's Shylock and Pelléas et Mélisande) knows how deal with this repertory, and the orchestra plays beautifully. Everything is immaculately phrased and paced, and the recording is excellent. A must-buy for me.