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Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique
Paavo Jarvi
Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique
Genre: Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (6) - Disc #1

The Cincinnati Symphony has always been respected as a solid, second-tier orchestra. But with this disc, as in other recent recordings, it seems like a world-class orchestra that can eat showpieces like Berlioz's Symphonie...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Paavo Jarvi
Title: Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Telarc
Original Release Date: 1/1/2001
Re-Release Date: 8/28/2001
Genre: Classical
Styles: Opera & Classical Vocal, Symphonies
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 089408057823, 089408057823

Synopsis

Amazon.com
The Cincinnati Symphony has always been respected as a solid, second-tier orchestra. But with this disc, as in other recent recordings, it seems like a world-class orchestra that can eat showpieces like Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique for breakfast. The strings are luminous throughout, especially in the Love Scene from Roméo et Juliette, where their golden glow makes Paavo Järvi's graceful interpretation something special. If his Symphonie Fantastique doesn't oust such longtime favorites as the Munch, Paray, and Bernstein recordings, it still stands as one of the best recent versions. It's also blessed with outstanding sonics, which gives depth and transparency to the orchestration. Järvi's reading is not as fervid as those listed above, but in its classicism and concern for long lines, it reminds one of Colin Davis's excellent Philips versions of the score. Pleasurable instrumental details, like the golden shower of harp runs, abound, and there's no lack of energy in the wild close to the Witches' Sabbath movement. This first recording of the Cincinnatians with their new music director is a fine achievement that promises much for the future. --Dan Davis

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CD Reviews

A warm and wonderful recording
Gilbert J. Shaver | 09/17/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this album in the SACD format. The SACD format really does expand the sound stage reducing the "listener fatigue", that I often develop in listening to conventional CDs, even on outstanding equipment. This performance is very crisp, moves lyrically, and is expansive when required. Berloz always presses the edge of tonality for his time with his unique tonal language. This recording captures that. The strings are very good and the brass, always an important statement in Berlioz, play with robust precision. Interpretively, Jarvi delivers more than a well paced performance. He has a wonderful understanding of this unique musical idiom. I recommend this recording as a wonderful musical and audiophile experience. The Cincinatti Orchestra is closing the gap with the so called "big 5" American orchestras, who do not often perform at this level."
Young Jarvi shows Berlioz at his best
Gilbert J. Shaver | Albany, CA United States | 11/03/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Even if you have multiple recordings of Symphonie Fantastique, you owe it to yourself to hear this recent release. The Cincinnati Orchestra plays on par with any top ensemble and the sound that Telarc gives us here is simply the best I've heard. Jarvi's take on Symphonie Fantastique reveals Berlioz's originality in orchestration and rhythm without a hint of exaggeration or fuss. I've heard well over a dozen recordings of the "symphony" over the years -- a few I've kept and I will now put this one on top of them."