The Gramophone Choice

Symphony No 3*

Coupled with Le carnaval des animaux**

*Peter Hurford org *Montreal Symphony Orchestra; **Philharmonia Orchestra / Charles Dutoit

Decca 475 7728DOR (57' · DDD). Buy from Amazon

In 1886 Saint-Saëns poured his considerable experience as an unequalled virtuoso of the organ, piano and practitioner of Lisztian unifying techniques into his Organ Symphony; it instantly put the French Symphony on the map and provided a model for Franck and others. With its capacity for grand spectacle (aside from the organ and a large orchestra, its scoring includes two pianos), it has suffered inflationary tendencies from both conductors and recording engineers. Dutoit’s (and Decca’s) achievement is the restoration of its energy and vitality. Saint-Saëns's other orchestra 'hit', The Carnival of the Animals makes an appropriate coupling especially when played with the sparkle that pianists Cristina Ortiz and Pascal Rogé bring to it.

This performance of the Symphony is also available in different versions: as part of an 'Essential Saint-Saëns' collection – with some very classy companions (buy from Amazon) – or its original form, uncoupled (Amazon).

Additional Recommendations

Symphony No 3

Coupled with Poulenc Organ Concerto Barber Toccata festiva

Olivier Latry org Philadelphia Orchestra / Christoph Eschenbach 

Ondine ODE1094-5 (79’ · DDD/DSD). Download from Amazon

Another performance that matches top-notch musicianship with a first-rate recording. Eschenbach directs a vivid performance with Olivier Latry supplying some truly dazzling playing. 

Symphony No 3

Coupled with Symphony No 2

Gillian Weir org Ulster Orchestra / Yan Pascal Tortelier

Chandos CHAN8822 (56’ · DDD). Buy from Amazon

The beautifully judged Chandos recording makes this a joy for the ears: recorded with the organ in situ rather than grafted on, the balance is very skilfully managed. And Tortelier makes it sound more French than many other performances. The coupling is a lovely performance of the Second Symphony.

Symphony No 3

Coupled with Carnival of the Animals; Danse Macabre

Noel Rawsthorne org Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra / Loris Tjeknavorian

Regis RRC1262 (62’ · ADD). Buy from Amazon

Recorded in Liverpool Cathedral, with its vast acoustic, this performance takes a little getting used to but it’s full of spectacle and makes an excellent budget-price alternative.