The ballet suite from the second act of Massenet's opera Le Cid is one of his best known and most highly regarded works for orchestra. The opera, set in twelfth century Spain, is a sweeping saga focusing on the exploits of Don Rodrigue (Le Cid) as he battles the Moors and fights for the woman he loves. In much the same way that Bizet suggested the sounds of Spain in his opera Carmen, Massenet uses colorful orchestration and striking dance rhythms to evoke the region's unique flavor. The composer's inventive use of percussion instruments is particularly striking, and no doubt reflects that fact that, earlier in his career, Massenet was a percussionist himself. The seven picturesque movements are: Castilane, Andalouse, Aragonaise, Aubade, Catalane, Madrilene, and Navarraise ~ Robert Barefield, All Music Guide
