Customer Reviews

Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique

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

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Expected more from Cincinnati/Telarc (see Kunzel, Erich cond. Hard to believe mostly the same musicians played so well for his baton.) Lightweight Gallic performance, recorded at low levels with little bass, dynamics seldom exceed much of anything (far under reference level technically), little hall reverb, all in all like sleepwalking through while mechanically doing each note on pitch and in largo tempo cutting off transients. This misfire has no resemblance to most other recordings of the work; it will not interrupt anyone's sleep or interfere with their concentration elsewhere for the most part.

warm and wonderful but not better than Jansons for EMI. That recording used to be cheaper as far as buying is concerned. Elegant yes but nothing more or less. Great sound though. There are better recordings as I said.

What a major disappointment, not only in Telarc but in the orchestra that apparently slept through most of its playing. There are many, many other recordings of Symphonie Fantastique, any one of which is certain to beat this one. Don't take my word for it, though....find out the hard way like I did.