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Essential Classical

Category: Music

Finally found and just received Berlioz, Great Orchestral Works; Philips 442 290-2; 2 disc CD, featuring Symphonie Fantastique. I numbered it among my favorites during my analog days. Recorded in 1963 with Sir Colin Davis and the London Symphony Orchestra, it shows what a major label could do before the Dynagroove process corrupted everything.
I can't abide most "audiophile recordings" that feature the St. Louis Acquarium Orchestra, or the East Leipzig Chamber Ensemble and Oompah Band. It takes a great orchestra to realise the vision of the legendary composers. But here, you have the LSO, Sir Colin (we're on a first name basis) and wonderful sonics: rock solid image, deep, deep soundstage, wonderfully live sounding brass and double reeds. And bass drum, too. You can clearly differentiate between the trumpets and cornets in the second movement. This is a really good transfer to CD.
Bonus! You get Harold In Italy and Symphonie Funebre et Triomphale which was written for the unveiling of the Arch d'Triomphe with a thousand musicians and dancers. A BIG work.
Just like my ex-wife, at fine stores everywhere.
kitch29

Showing 1 response by gregm

gregm
3,395 posts
 
For Symphonie Fantastique I also recommend Munch/CSO (japanese EMI - CD). IMO Munch is dramatic where Sir Colin (my pal, too) is lyrical...
Kitch29, the tympani in the LSO version do sound as if they "acquiesce" (softer) with the preceding passage rather than make a statement (bold, Concertgebouw). I think it's the interpretation rather than the recording.
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