Berlioz: Symphonie fantastique [Original recording remastered]

Hector Berlioz (Composer), Michael Tilson Thomas (Conductor), San Francisco Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: San Francisco Symphony Orchestra
• Conductor: Michael Tilson Thomas
• Composer: Hector Berlioz
• Audio CD (July 13, 2004)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: RCA
• ASIN: B0002DD5TS
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #80,581 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Berlioz, October 26, 2004

By 

Prescott Cunningham Moore (San Francisco, California) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

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

This is the definitive recording of Berlioz's famed Symphonie Fantastic. Michael Tilson Thomas leads the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra brilliantly in his incisive reading of the work. Several aspects make this recording rise above the hundreds of other recordings of the work. First of all, MTT has the orchestral forces playing both with total conviction and total control. The sense of emotion is electrifying, yet, the orchestra remains in perfect control from piano to forte. The balance between the different sections of the orchestra is also perfect. Secondly, MTT's reading of the work is well thought out, logical, and quite convincing. Rather than over-conduct, MTT allows the music itself to unfold naturally. The performance is never forced, never rushed; rather, the work is allowed to develop. Thirdly, the quality of the recording is top-notch. The crystal clear digital sounds makes this already electrifying recording a must have.

MTT is not given the due credit he deserves. Too often, the SFSO is over-looked. But over the past decade MTT has been doing wonderful things with his orchestra. What we have now is a world-class orchestra that still plays with total conviction, heart, dedication, and total faith in its music director. MTT's current Mahler project with the orchestra has brought the conductor back into the spotlight, but the truth of the matter is, MTT was and is one of the leading conductors of today. I suggest listeners turn to some of his other recordings. His Romeo and Juliet and Mahler 7th (both on RCA) are fantastic, as are the resent Mahler recordings on the symphony's own label

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastique by Thomas and SFS is Fantastic!, January 14, 2005

By 

W. Morris (Pensacola, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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

Thomas has done it again with a mighty fine recording of Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique. There's very little to say other than you have to hear it. It shares the top of the heap with Bernstein's most 'psychadelic' version and Munch's very fine most natural sounding (considering most of the players in Boston at the time were of the French school) version all with better sonics. This is first class playing from San Francisco in every movement and a very demonic (and excellently played) E-flat clarinet solo from Luis Baez in Dream of a Witches' Sabbath. Great sonics, great playing, and a very fair price, this adds up to a must own. Get it!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MTT's Fantastique is a fantastic feast for the ears, February 15, 2008

By 

Eric S. Kim (Southern California) - See all my reviews

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

This is my first purchase of Berlioz's "Symphonie Fantastique", and I have to say it really exceeded my expectations while listening to it. I can tell that Tilson Thomas never rushes the piece, nor does he relax it too much. His structural understanding for the entire symphony is apparent while I'm listening to it. Now, just because he has a structural concern for Berlioz doesn't mean that it's bland. Indeed, the SF Symphony gives it a lush sound (the brass perform in a very bold manner). And they can surely whip up a storm in the fourth movement (my favorite at the moment). Audio quality is also a plus, no "crunchy" bass noises whatsoever. In conclusion, I'd say that this recording of "Fantastique" is a great one for beginners and veterans alike. Highly recommended.

Now I'm off to buy the Muti and Plasson recordings, thank you very much!