Initially planned for the Ballets russes season, La Péri was withdrawn by Diaghilev who didn’t agreed with the dancing cast, and later on produced by Ivan Clustine. Based on the story of Alexander the Great bewitched by a Persian spirit, it is a captivating score, with a rich and colorful orchestration. Dukas, whose perfectionism was pathological (he came close to destroy the manuscript of La Péri!), let a very small catalogue, but only made of finely crafted masterpieces: La Péri is here coupled with the Symphony, Polyeucte and the hit tone poem The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. All are conducted by French music specialist Jean Martinon in this legendary Erato recording. © Warner Classics