Search - Hector Berlioz, Colin Davis, London Symphony Orchestra :: Berlioz: Great Orchestral Works

Power and passion from Berlioz

George Peabody | 11/12/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 2-disc set gives a wonderful selection of the orchestral works of Hector Berlioz. Of the five pieces included, I most enjoyed the "Symphonie Fantastique" and the "Symphonie Funebre et Triomphale." The power of Berlioz is beautifully expressed by the London Symphony Orchestra; one can feel the musical power, not just hear it. A wonderful collection of truly passionate music."

A generally good Berlioz collection

Peterian Nthionius | Hong Kong | 08/19/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This recording is good generally, but the Symphonie fantastique really disappoints. The recording would be great if the LSO sound more 'fantastique'(you will konw what I'm talking about if you listen to the Concertgebouw/Davis recording by DECCA). Despite the disappointing Symphonie fantastique, I still like Colin Davis' "Harold in Italy" and the overtures, his poetry-like expressions and passion is perfectly suitable for Berlioz.



However, taking its price into consideration, I would not hesitate to reccomend this recording to those who want to try Berlioz."

A voice teacher and early music fan

George Peabody | Planet Earth | 03/16/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"BERLIOZ WITH AN AUDIBLE 'Z' IS PERFORMED WITH GREAT ZEAL BY SIR COLIN D.



Hector Berlioz (1803-1869)belonged to no school, and resists categorization more fiercely, perhaps, than any other composer. The originality and vitalilty of his ideas demanded novel means of expression which affected the fundamental elements of musical language. The language he forged depended to an unusual extent upon the subject-matter of his works, all of which are related to a dramatic or poetic theme. This theme determines the manner of each work, so that there is no clearly defined development from an early period, through the middle of his career, to a later style; his works never repeat the inventions, harmonic and melodic or formal, of their predecessors.



The 'Symphonie fantastique' blazed new paths, filling the ear with novel combinations to a degree hardly experienced again. The symphony is nowhere operatic, but it is dramatic, and the high points of the drama are embodied in expressive instrumental music; the program, integral to the conception, acts, Berlioz said,like the spoken dialogue in an opera,in that it provides the motivation and explains and justifies the mood of the successive movements.



His second symphony, 'Harold en Italie', was begun at the request of Paganini, who wanted a piece for viola, but then rejected the drafts of Berlioz, who promptly converted the work into a symphony with viola solo. Searching for a subject, he considered a plan for a work on the death of Mary Queen of Scots. He then adopted a title referring to Byron's wandering hero (Childe Harold) and created a loose sequence of scenes in the figure of the lonely wanderer(represented by the viola) is set in contexts reminiscent of his own experience in Italy. This symphony is a picturesque work,whereas the 'Fantastique' is dramatic.



Berlioz was given a commission in 1840, by the newly formed French government for his 'Symphonie funebre et triomphale'. He wrote it for wind, with optional strings and chorus. The style of the work recalls the open-air ceremonials of the previous Revolution, when music was used at open-air gatherings of national prayer and praise.



Sir Colin Davis has been described as the quintessenthal Berliozian interpreter with consistant, insightful readings into this quirky Romantic composer's music. The remastering is also quite good retaining the ambient warmth and natural vividness of the original recordings.



The performance of the 'Symphonie Fantastique' is evocative, atmospheric and exhilarating, whereas the rendition of the 'Symphonie funebre et triumphale' is somewhat lacking in impact and emotion. 'Harold en Italie' is impressive and distinctive enhanced by the viola playing of Nobuko Imai. The two overtures were performed brilliantly; delightful and infectious!!!



Sir Colin Davis is well nigh untouchable in this repertoire, and the ensemble and soloists are all first class. This 2 CD collection is an excellent introduction to the music of Berlioz."