Customer Reviews

Bizet: Symphony in C / Tchaikovsky: Francesca Da Rimini Overture-Fantasia

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

 

 

Although I like Bizet's symphony, I bought this recording mainly for Tchaikovsky's Francesca da Rimini that is included on the disk. If you like something that brings out some subtler and more poetic aspects of this tone poem, then this is the CD for you.
The sound quality is EXCELLENT. The pace is somewhat slower and more leisurely in places compared to some of the other versions I own, but that seems to allow the time to really enjoy some of the substance. The gong and cymbals are really great in this one. For example, the gong in at the beginning of the whirlwind somehow manages to sound mocking and evil. (Just like in Liszt's "Dante Symphony"--Franz manages to make a harp sound mocking and evil, too). How is that possible? Well, it happens in this here. The demons call with deep and resonating voices.  The violins scream "I don't care, I want it!!" and the violas, cellos, basses are saying at the same time, "No you don't!!" The brass section  punctuates both ominously with "this is big trouble." The side characters all play their parts. The little helpless flourishes of the flutes are victims of the relentless whirlwind, but their pathetic little cries are still clearly heard. The Paolo/Francesca love theme in the middle is Tchaikovsky at his lyrical finest...it is very touching. It would make Dante himself cry. The finale here is more drawn out than most. This tragedy does not wrap up quickly. And as in Liszt's 'Dante Symphony,' there is madness here. The gongs and cymbals seem to sound like demon whips that are sending the unfortunate souls on their way.

This music is quite an odd juxtaposition with the more pleasant and carefree "Sympbony in C."

Highest recommendation.

Munch's timeless recording of the Bizet Symphony has always been one of the great gramophone miracles. Recorded in the mid-'60's for Reader's Digest by RCA, then re-released in the 70's by Quintessence Records, then on CD in 1987 by Chesky Records, this brilliant performance seems to have never been out of the catalogue - until now. Munch also recorded this Symphony with the French National Radio Orchestra, released in the States on budget label, Nonesuch. That, too, is a fine performance, but it doesn't have the electricity - or speed - of this version. Coupled with it was Bizet's "Patrie Overture" and "Jeux d'enfants", also well done, but with rather boxy sound. Chesky, and Amazon, must be compelled to make the present recording available again.

Tchaikovsky's "Francesca Da Rimini" is also heard here in a great performance, far better than Munch's other recording with the Boston Symphony (RCA). The RPO brass are vividly caught by engineer Kenneth Wilkinson, and the entire performance is gripping.

What a disc!

I bought three times this CD from three different countries (USA, France, England) and each time the CD inside is the Rachmaninoff's fourth piano concerto played by Earl Wild with Jascha Horenstein conducting the RPO. The label on the CD is ok with the mention of Charles Munch conducting the RPO but THREE TIMES the CD inside is the Rachmaninoff recording with the Charles Munch name on the label ! I wrote to Chesky at New York with the three wrong CDs returned to them... but any answer after one year! NOT ONE SERIOUS RECORDING COMPANY and any consideration for the music-lovers who bought this wrong Chesky CD.
Sorry for my bad English.

Many recordings of Francesca out there but none like this. Charles Munch is a magician with this disc. The sound is fantastic thanks to Recording Engineer, Kenneth G. Wilkinson. According to the Chesky LP liner notes, not in the CD notes, the Francesca Da Rimini was recorded in 1 take. No editing. A must have!