Dukas: Symphony / La Peri / L' Apprenti Sorcier
Dukas's three mature orchestral compositions are gathered on this attractive disc. The earliest is the little-known symphony, obviously inspired by Franck's three-movement symphony written a decade earlier. Like Franck, Dukas creates a large-scale sonata-form first movement; a lyrical slow movement that incorporates lighter, scherzo-like elements; and a rushing finale that contains a grandiose contrasting melody.La Peri, a late work, is subtitled "Dance Poem." It is glisteningly orchestrated--yet remarkably restrained--clearly delineated, colorful music.The Sorcerer's Apprentice(composed in between the other two) is deservedly popular, a colorful, splendidly lucid tone poem. Slatkin leads brisk, strongly played performances. The recorded sound is more than acceptable, if occasionally over-resonant.--Paul Turok