In the chamber music section I have already sang the praise of Louise Farrenc, the first woman to be appointed as a professor of piano at the Paris Conservatoire (in 1842). She was a wonderful composer and her best work could well be her third symphony.
It starts with a highly compressed introduction, and then an energetic and purposeful Allegro. The slow movement is an Adagio cantabile based on a beguiling melody. After a sparkling Scherzo with a delightful Trio, follows the decisive and lively Finale. One can only wonder why this wonderful music was forgotten for such a long time...
Here the symphony is played by l'Orchestre philharmonique de Radio France conducted by Mikko Franck.
[P.S. There is also an excellent CD, played by an orchestra using
authentic instruments: the Insula orchestra conducted by Laurence
Equilbey on Erato. ]