Gounod: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2

Though purely instrumental works by Gounod remain largely underestimated compared to his vocal masterpieces, they reveal an undeniable science of orchestration with skillful use of winds, and a real melodic eloquence. His two symphonies (he would later compose a Little one for woodwind ensemble) are still rarely put on record despite their immediate charm. Michel Plasson, spearhead of the Romantic French music revival, was the first to put both together on record with his musicians from the Capitole de Toulouse.