Dukas: Symphonie, La Péri, L’apprenti sorcier & Polyeucte

Initially planned for the Ballets russes season, La Péri was withdrawn by Diaghilev who didn’t agree with the dancing cast, and later on produced by Ivan Clustine. Based on the story of a Persian spirit bewitching Alexander the Great, it is a captivating score, with a rich and colorful orchestration. Dukas, whose perfectionism was pathological (he came close to destroying the manuscript of La Péri!), left a very small catalogue, but made only of finely crafted masterpieces: La Péri is here coupled with the symphony, Polyeucte and the hit tone poem The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. All are conducted by French music specialist Jean Martinon in this beautiful digital premiere.