Darius Milhaud - Chamber Symphony No. 1

Composer: Darius Milhaud (4 September 1892 -- 22 June 1974)
Orchestra: Orchestre de Radio Luxembourg
Conductor: Darius Milhaud
Year of recording: between 1968-1972

'Little Symphony' for chamber orchestra No. 1, "Le Printemps" {The Spring}, Op. 43, written in 1917.

00:00 - I. Allant
01:39 - II. Chantant
03:05 - III. Et Vif!

The first of Milhaud's forays into the symphony scored for small ensembles, this work, along with its five companions, is only a symphony in name. In fact, this work lasts little more than three minutes. Composed in Rio de Janiero, this music, using the polytonal elements characteristic of much of the composer's work during this time and after, maintains a pastoral, folkish feeling throughout. Milhaud's early melodies are simple, almost naïve to the point of comedy, perhaps this is why many of his early works are ignored. Sample the plaintive oboe melody of this work's second movement, or the persistent theme of the finale, to experience the composer's penchant for simple and direct musical utterances, sometimes a bit banal but frequently refreshing.

The 1st Chamber symphony is dedicated: "à Roger de Fontenay".