The orchestral music of Henri Dutilleux is noted for its economy, directness, and exquisite craftsmanship, and the three works on this 2014 Seattle Symphony release support this assessment. The Symphony No. 1 is as compact in its form as a Classical-era symphony and as focused in its dissonant counterpoint as any modernist work, yet it is most enjoyable for its vibrant sonorities, and Dutilleux's masterful orchestration keeps it fully engaging. Tout un monde lointain features a virtuosic part for solo cello, and Dutilleux praised this soloist's interpretation, saying, "Xavier Phillips fully owns this work and evokes the very essence of its title -- all of a distant world." Phillips' impassioned playing carries this music with lofty intent, so it never feels like a mere showpiece, and he gives it a nearly rapturous expression. The Shadows of Time for three children's voices and orchestra is even more ecstatic in its otherworldly dimensions, and the multi-layered scoring yields the most fascinating music of the program. Ludovic Morlot leads the Seattle Symphony in these attractive performances and continues the innovative programming he has pursued since becoming music director of this orchestra in 2011. This stands out as one of the group's best recordings on its own label, and it promises great things to come.
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