Click on the link here for Audio Player: Delannoy: La Pantoufle de vair – ORTF Orchestra – Jean Giardino, cond. – circa 1955 – Gordon Skene Sound Collection
Largely forgotten today, the music of Marcel Delannoy was wildly popular during the 1930s. So popular, that Maurice Ravel once said he was the “finest composer in France today”. But his reputation was to be had in film – a prolific film composer from the 1930s to 1960. It was largely thought that his work in film prevented him from composing in other forms, which may have damaged his reputation over the decades.
But whatever the case, Marcel Delannoy, largely self-taught, but did study for a time with Arthur Honegger, was fully dedicated to music and its composition.
This weekend’s performance of a suite from the ballet La Pantoufle de vair is from a radio broadcast, featuring the French Radio Symphony conducted by Jean Giardino from around 1955.
At present there is only one recording of Delannoy’s works currently available. A compilation of music conducted by Charles Munch. It’s doubtful this particular performance has ever been issued in any form.
So . . . it’s another rare one tonight.
Enjoy.
Hi Gordon — Thanks as always. This time, though, you seem to have omitted the link to the player.
I don’t know how that happened – I added the player and it showed up when I reviewed it and then it disappeared when I posted it. Strange. It’s fixed now though. Thanks for letting me know.
Hurrah! Many thanks again.
Fantastic again Gordon !! for Delannoy of course but also for Giardino !!!!