Customer Reviews

Ravel: Boléro; Rapsodie espagnole; Debussy: Images

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Charles Munch imbued his interpretations of the French classics with a unique vitality and enthusiasm. In particular, he injected more insistent percussion and bolder brass into these works than any other conductor I've yet found (his Symphonie Fantastique, also in the RCA Living Stereo series, is a classic example of his art). And it all works so well. No pulled punches on the podium, and certainly no yawns in the seats. Even if you have other versions of these works that you love well, give this a shot. The Bolero alone is worth the price of the disc.

During Munch's tenure as conductor in chief of the Boston Symphony (1949-62), it was often referred to as the world's finest french orchestra. Why? Because the woodwinds and brass had a somewhat nasal and pointed sound, characteristic of French ensembles, but with significantly greater orchestral silkiness of tone, precision, and virtuosity, on a par with the world's finest orchestras. It is these characteristics, together with the volatile, intense nature of Munch's style, which makes these performances a very effective combination of sensuality, fire and elegance. The same is true of Munch's La Mer and Escales (Ports of Call), coupled with the Saint-Saens Organ Symphony on another Living Stereo album.
A very worthwhile purchase!

I grew up listening to this album with my family. It has a haunting sound but is so beautiful. Very romantic too.