CAMILLE SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921): Les Barbares.

Description: This 1901 historical opera is set around a 105 BC battle between "civilized" Gauls and "barbarian" Germanic tribes with, of course, a member of each group in love with each other. Plenty of Saint-Saëns' brilliant and colorful orchestration, significant ballet sequences, no stinting on choruses - everything points to what would be a fine spectacle on stage. The usual extravagance in notes and graphics from the Palazzeto Bru Zane. 2 CDs + book. French-English libretto. Catherine Hunold (soprano), Julia Gertseva (mezzo), Edgaras Montvidas (tenor), Jean Teitgen (bass), Chœur Lyrique et Orchestre Symphonique Saint-Étienne Loire; Laurent Campellone.