PSALM 47 by Florent Schmitt & The Tragedy of Salome/1973 EMI France

Psaume XLVII

La Tragedie de Salome

Debussy

Khamma

Orchestra National de L’O.R.T.F.
Jean Martinon conducting, 1973

Mp3

If the house were on fire THIS would be the only CD that I would rush to save.

“How can one sing that and not melt?” the marvelous Elisabeth Brasseur exclaimed after a performance of PSAUME. This work was Schmitt’s final ‘ dispatch to Rome’. To justify their salaries, winners of the Rome Prize, had to send the Institut de France a major work called ‘a dispatch to Rome’. Critics of the time proclaimed as far as the Psaume race was concerned, Schmitt had won it hands down.

There is (an) awe-inspiring aspect, that of exaltation and jubilation; but there is also the tender, sensual and voluptuous. After the OUTBURST of joy to the words “Glory to the Lord” this is followed by a sacred dance leading into a GRAND chorale, then into a fugue. The second part uses a tenderly sweet phrase set out by violin solo. The third and last part leads us to God in His glory, closing in dazzling ‘C major’.

This work for orchestra, choir, soloist and concert organ (listen for it) is explosive and sublime under the direction of Jean Martinon’s genius. If listened to on a quality stereo it will blow out your windows, leave you feeling like a wet rag, only to rally again and knock you back into your chair.

Booklet included.

If interested, leave a message in this thread and I will send a PM. Sorry, I am only offering this gem of a collector’s item as an mp3… for a LIMITED TIME.