Berlioz: Great Orchestral Works

Hector Berlioz (Composer), Colin Davis (Conductor), London Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra
• Conductor: Colin Davis
• Composer: Hector Berlioz
• Audio CD (May 10, 1994)
• SPARS Code: ADD
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Philips
• ASIN: B00000419B
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #143,976 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a voice teacher and early music fan, March 16, 2007

By 

George Peabody "Ariel" (U.S.A.) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Berlioz: Great Orchestral Works (Audio CD)

BERLIOZ WITH AN AUDIBLE 'Z' IS PERFORMED WITH GREAT ZEAL BY SIR COLIN D.

Hector Berlioz (1803-1869)belonged to no school, and resists categorization more fiercely, perhaps, than any other composer. The originality and vitalilty of his ideas demanded novel means of expression which affected the fundamental elements of musical language. The language he forged depended to an unusual extent upon the subject-matter of his works, all of which are related to a dramatic or poetic theme. This theme determines the manner of each work, so that there is no clearly defined development from an early period, through the middle of his career, to a later style; his works never repeat the inventions, harmonic and melodic or formal, of their predecessors.

The 'Symphonie fantastique' blazed new paths, filling the ear with novel combinations to a degree hardly experienced again. The symphony is nowhere operatic, but it is dramatic, and the high points of the drama are embodied in expressive instrumental music; the program, integral to the conception, acts, Berlioz said,like the spoken dialogue in an opera,in that it provides the motivation and explains and justifies the mood of the successive movements.

His second symphony, 'Harold en Italie', was begun at the request of Paganini, who wanted a piece for viola, but then rejected the drafts of Berlioz, who promptly converted the work into a symphony with viola solo. Searching for a subject, he considered a plan for a work on the death of Mary Queen of Scots. He then adopted a title referring to Byron's wandering hero (Childe Harold) and created a loose sequence of scenes in the figure of the lonely wanderer(represented by the viola) is set in contexts reminiscent of his own experience in Italy. This symphony is a picturesque work,whereas the 'Fantastique' is dramatic.

Berlioz was given a commission in 1840, by the newly formed French government for his 'Symphonie funebre et triumphale'. He wrote it for wind, with optional strings and chorus. The style of the work recalls the open-air ceremonials of the previous Revolution, when music was used at open-air gatherings of national prayer and praise.

Sir Colin Davis has been described as the quintessential interpreter of Berlioz with consistent, insightful readings into this quirky Romantic composer's music. The remastering is also quite good retaining the ambient warmth and natural vividness of the original recordings.

The performance of the 'Symphonie Fantastique' is evocative, atmospheric and exhilarating, whereas the rendition of the 'Symphonie funebre et triumphale' is somewhat lacking in impact and emotion. 'Harold en Italie' is impressive and distinctive enhanced by the viola playing of Nobuko Imai. The two overtures were performed brilliantly; delightful and infectious!!!

Sir Colin Davis is well nigh untouchable in this repertoire, and the ensemble and soloists are all first class. This 2 CD collection is an excellent introduction to the music of Berlioz.

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Funeral and Triumphal Symphony Op. 15 by Hector Berlioz, September 17, 2007

By 

Stanley A. Hutchings (Palo Alto, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Berlioz: Great Orchestral Works (Audio CD)

This is a very enjoyable piece of music that is not often heard on classical radio, or in concerts. The third movement is especially rousing. It should be played especially on July 14, Bastille Day. Be sure to get a translation of the choral part in the finale. There is also an old Urania UR-100 that has some interpretations I like even better than in the Philips recording.

13 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Power and passion from Berlioz, November 11, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Berlioz: Great Orchestral Works (Audio CD)

This 2-disc set gives a wonderful selection of the orchestral works of Hector Berlioz. Of the five pieces included, I most enjoyed the "Symphonie Fantastique" and the "Symphonie Funebre et Triomphale." The power of Berlioz is beautifully expressed by the London Symphony Orchestra; one can feel the musical power, not just hear it. A wonderful collection of truly passionate music.