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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 megasam

megasam's avatar
megasam
798 posts
 
Most people, myself included, have the Phillips Davis/Concertgebouw Orch (CBO) CD from 1/1974, always near the top of the list of most reviewers. I saw the new Phillips series you are talking about, "50 years of great recording?" mid price with 24/96 remasters. This is to compete with Decca "legends" and DG "originals" EMI "great recordings of century" etc., which is good news for us to get these classic performances with enhanced sound quality.

I assume you consider the Davis/LSO of 1963 superior to Davis/CBO, I may give it a try although I already have 4-5
versions of Sym Fantastique, always open to another great performance.

BTW what would you say is your #2 choice for this work?
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