Search - Hector Berlioz, Colin Davis, Royal Opera House Chorus and Orchestra Covent Garden :: Berlioz: Les Troyens

A Classic Must-get

Samuel Stephens | TN, USA | 10/09/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Introduction:

This was the first complete (and now there is an even MORE complete Davis recording) set of this wonderful opera. Before Beecham and Davis recorded it, this opera had to undergo a very large-scale demystification process. The myths surrounding this opera were bigger than the opera itself, and nowhere half as noble. Rumor had it that the opera was "impossible". It is not impossible, and it is certainly not as difficult to stage as any of the Wagner operas. But Berlioz had few real champions, while Wagner had legions. So the "impossible" was really a prejudice, and it took conductors like Beecham, Munch, and Davis to bring Berlioz back from the crypt of obscurity. And what we rediscovered was a titan of music.

The singers:

Jon Vickers is wonderful as Aeneas; opulent and strongly voiced, without being thick. Berit Lindhold and Josephine Veasey are great as well...though admittedly some moments have them in thick voice. They sound confident and strong, but sometimes consternated. The chorus sounds brilliant.

The direction:

Colin Davis brings the Royal Hunt and Storm to life...orchestral declamations, and chorus telling Aeneas to leave Carthage. It's a very colourful and dramatic scene that never fails me. It makes for a great listen as a single orchestral piece -just like Ride of the Valkyries does...but both these famous scenes are far better with the voices.

The sound:

As far as sound goes, there is nothing to complain about. There are a few instances of certain persons being placed far back in the sound, but in these instances it is dramatically appropriate to do so for the opera's sake.

The music:

I like to equate the difficulty level of this opera with Wagner's "Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg". Wagner's longest single opera was the first opera I got really involved with. I've found myself surprised that many people find it his toughest opera...for me it is his easiest. But the thing about Berlioz's Les Troyen, and Wagner's opera is that they both require you to delve into the libretto.

Final thoughts:

I suggest listening to this opera often. Listen to certain scenes at a time, if it suits you. If you find it hard to listen to because of the length, I especially recommend working at it in this way. After you've familiarized yourself with it, no doubt you will agree with me that it is par with any Wagner opera."