Customer Reviews

Berlioz: 5 Overtures (King Lear, Rob Roy, Le Corsaire, Beatrice

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I compared this CD to a CD by Sir Colin Davis and the London Symphony Orchestra containing many of the same pieces (King Lear, Roman Carnival and Le Corsair). While this CD is good, the LSO is clearly a better orchestra, and their playing is tighter and cleaner. Please keep in mind, however, that I'm really only comparing the orchestras, and not so much the conductors or their interpretations.

I recommend the Gibson (and Beecham) recordings to all you Berlioz affectionatos. They take my breath away every time I listen to them ! The relatively recent Gibson performances, with either the Royal Phil or Scottish Orchestras (somewhat different selections), are pungent and pack a wallop ! They bring a smile to my face. The sound is clean, with great presence.

I also love the Beecham, recorded in good mono from 1954. What it lacks in spectacular sound, it makes up for with elan and flair in abundance. The Roman Carnival is just plain cool ! I like the Paray, Munch, and Davis performances also, but for me, they pale in comparison to the Gibson or Beecham. Also, both the latter are priced right.

Rob Roy, Le Carnaval Romain, Le Corsaire are all powerful and beautifully done. Berlioz should be better known than he is.
This is good stuff. Le Carnaval Romain... can't hear it enough.