Franck: Les Beatitudes

Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau (Performer), Cesar Franck (Composer), Richard [Classical] Wagner (Composer), Rafael Kubelik (Conductor), Pierre Boulez (Conductor), Brigitte Fassbaender (Performer), Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra), Bayerischen Rundfunkorchester (Orchestra), BBC Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra), Jessye Norman (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Brigitte Fassbaender, Jessye Norman
• Orchestra: Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Bayerischen Rundfunkorchester, BBC Symphony Orchestra
• Conductor: Rafael Kubelik, Pierre Boulez
• Composer: Cesar Franck, Richard [Classical] Wagner
• Audio CD (June 6, 2000)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Gala
• ASIN: B000006O2B
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #325,699 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #69 in Music > Classical > Opera & Vocal > Divas > Norman, Jessye

Track Listings

1. Les béatitudes, oratorio for soloists, chorus & orchestra, M. 53

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, November 19, 2005

By 

Wayne A. (Belfast, Northern Ireland) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Franck: Les Beatitudes (Audio CD)

I bought the recording after reading the review below. If anything he's understated his case for the piece and for this sensational recording of it. Everywhere else I'd looked I'd encountered ho hum appraisals of the work, yet historically it seems to have been well-regarded. I was confused by that but this one commentary put me over the edge.

Simply, this is a beautiful piece of music. Over-analyzing it, criticizing it because of alleged subtle flaws, damning with faint praise (the usual is that the long work has "many fine moments") just doesn't make sense. A good to great performance of this sells itself quite well without the millennial cynicism and insensitivity (not meaning callous but simply lacking in sensitivity). Judging from the listings and the many "no longer available"s I fear this heartfelt and spiritual work will disappear from sight sometime soon, probably for a long time. If intrigued, grab this one; the value is incredible. I loved the piece so much I also picked up the Jordan on WEA--not as spectacular an interpretation, and not as amazing soloists, but the finer engineering brings out a lot of the sensual beauty of the piece. I'm happy with both and will part with neither.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A tremendous recording, October 22, 2004

By 

W. Parr "sissypower" (San Diego, Ca USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Franck: Les Beatitudes (Audio CD)

I am astonished to be the first listener to comment on this set.
Perhaps others were left speechless, in awe of Franck's score of sweeping majesty,
Kubelik's glorious realization, and flawless performances throughout. Superb sonics
Are a bonus in addition to the bonus tracks of Wagner Wesendonck Lieder sung by
Jessye Norman, conducted by Pierre Boulez. A must-have at any price.