Search - Hector Berlioz, Jean Topart, Jean Martinon :: Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique & Lelio

Best of all versions

bonerfly | NY | 10/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have owned many recordings of this and this one is the best I've ever heard. First and most important to me is, I have found that too many conductors seem to lose control when leading their orchestras through this piece. It becomes too bombastic and sometimes abrasive. To me Most versions are just "too much" at the crescendos for the ears to take in at one sitting of this 54 minute Symphonie. But NOT this one. This performance is superbly led by Martinon and played beautifully by the Orchestre National de L'ORTF. This is the most controlled, subtle and refined version yet of a composition that many times has little subtlety. The recording is spacious, transparent, sumptuous and warmer than most. So feast your ears without having to turn down the volume. And hear it as it must have been meant to be heard. This is a DOUBLE CD..."