Carnaval des Animaux (2003)

This fun 2001 release from Etcetera features the Flemish chamber ensemble Arco Baleno in lively performances of Camille Saint-Saëns' perennial Carnival of the Animals, and eight short, contemporary ensemble pieces about animals, specially commissioned for this album. This adventurous group's core is a quintet, formed by flutist Roger Verhoyen, violinists Dirk Lievens and Marleen Ydiers, violist Kaat de Cock, and cellist Stefaan Craeynest; with pianists Guy Penson and Sylvia Bernier, clarinetist Franck Coryn, bassist Gabri ... Read More

This fun 2001 release from Etcetera features the Flemish chamber ensemble Arco Baleno in lively performances of Camille Saint-Saëns' perennial Carnival of the Animals, and eight short, contemporary ensemble pieces about animals, specially commissioned for this album. This adventurous group's core is a quintet, formed by flutist Roger Verhoyen, violinists Dirk Lievens and Marleen Ydiers, violist Kaat de Cock, and cellist Stefaan Craeynest; with pianists Guy Penson and Sylvia Bernier, clarinetist Franck Coryn, bassist Gabriëla Fragner, percussionist Bart Quartier, and David van Bouwel playing celesta, the ensemble almost achieves the sound of a chamber orchestra, at its fullest in Carnival, but also quite robust in Yves Bondue's slithering Kameleon (Chameleon), Lucien Posman's flamboyant Pauw (Peacock), Boudewijn Buckinx's active Konijn (Rabbit), and Petra Vermote's wildly writhing Drakemie (Dragonet). Marc Matthys' softly swinging Camel Caravan, Jan Huylebroeck's macabre Cortège des espèces bien mortes... Read Less