Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique

Hector Berlioz (Composer), Paavo Järvi (Conductor), Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra), Paavo Jarvi (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
• Conductor: Paavo Järvi
• Composer: Hector Berlioz
• Audio CD (August 28, 2001)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Telarc
• ASIN: B00005NIF9
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #349,064 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. I. Dreams, Passions/Largo-Allegro Agitato E Appassionato Assai-Tempo I-Religiosamente

2. II. A Ball, Valse: Allegro Non Troppo

3. III. Scene In The Country: Adagio

4. IV. March To The Scaffold: Allegretto Non Troppo

5. V. Dream Of The Witches' Sabbath: Larghetto/Allegro/Allegro Assai/Allegro/Dies Irae/Ronde Du Sabbat/Dies Irae Et Ronde Du Sabbat

6. Love Scene

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The Cincinnati Symphony has always been respected as a solid, second-tier orchestra. But with this disc, as in other recent recordings, it seems like a world-class orchestra that can eat showpieces like Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique for breakfast. The strings are luminous throughout, especially in the Love Scene from Roméo et Juliette, where their golden glow makes Paavo Järvi's graceful interpretation something special. If his Symphonie Fantastique doesn't oust such longtime favorites as the Munch, Paray, and Bernstein recordings, it still stands as one of the best recent versions. It's also blessed with outstanding sonics, which gives depth and transparency to the orchestration. Järvi's reading is not as fervid as those listed above, but in its classicism and concern for long lines, it reminds one of Colin Davis's excellent Philips versions of the score. Pleasurable instrumental details, like the golden shower of harp runs, abound, and there's no lack of energy in the wild close to the Witches' Sabbath movement. This first recording of the Cincinnatians with their new music director is a fine achievement that promises much for the future. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A warm and wonderful recording, September 16, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique (Audio CD)

I bought this album in the SACD format. The SACD format really does expand the sound stage reducing the "listener fatigue", that I often develop in listening to conventional CDs, even on outstanding equipment. This performance is very crisp, moves lyrically, and is expansive when required. Berloz always presses the edge of tonality for his time with his unique tonal language. This recording captures that. The strings are very good and the brass, always an important statement in Berlioz, play with robust precision. Interpretively, Jarvi delivers more than a well paced performance. He has a wonderful understanding of this unique musical idiom. I recommend this recording as a wonderful musical and audiophile experience. The Cincinatti Orchestra is closing the gap with the so called "big 5" American orchestras, who do not often perform at this level.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Young Jarvi shows Berlioz at his best, November 3, 2001

By 

Gilbert J. Shaver (Albany, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique (Audio CD)

Even if you have multiple recordings of Symphonie Fantastique, you owe it to yourself to hear this recent release. The Cincinnati Orchestra plays on par with any top ensemble and the sound that Telarc gives us here is simply the best I've heard. Jarvi's take on Symphonie Fantastique reveals Berlioz's originality in orchestration and rhythm without a hint of exaggeration or fuss. I've heard well over a dozen recordings of the "symphony" over the years -- a few I've kept and I will now put this one on top of them.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb, September 21, 2009

By 

T. Marshall "musicmaven" (SF) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique (Audio CD)

I've listened to this work since I was about 12. I've had innumerable recordings of it and it's not even close to being my favorite work by Berlioz. BUT, this performance is very special. The conductor has chosen a different interpretation of the piece and it shimmers in its beauty. I've ordered it, something I never thought I would do for this work, again. It is really special. My advice is, buy it. If you have any other recordings of it, throw them away.