Berlioz: Choral Works

Advantages: Good sound quality, strong and compelling interpretation
Disadvantages: really not applicable

...Now, we all hear of Berlioz for his wonderful and original Symphonie fantastique of 1830 and yet how many classical music fans can say they know this work as well as that? However, I would encourage you to get to know it. Berlioz originally wrote it as a viola concerto for the great virtuoso Paganini, who claimed it was not virtuosic enough. What a great joy to hear more from the viola! At times taking a solo, at others, shimmering in the background of the scenes. Pictorial and romantic, exciting and dynamic are just some words I would use to describe this CD. The LSO must be praised for their sensitive playing. Davis takes the reins to create a most compelling and vivid interpretation of Harold's journey. The balance of the solo viola line especially in the third movement here is well judged. The tempi are flexible and the pace... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Some outstanding works, a balanced album
Disadvantages: None

...The first CD in this fine collection of Stanford's choral works, this compilation delivers well. This collection focuses on the first period of his choral work, 'Cambridge Years'. Dominating the tracklisting are settings of the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis. Particularly outstanding are those in B flat and F. You cannot fail to be moved by either the depth of bass in the Nunc Dimittis of the former, or by the triumphal crescendoes in the Magnificat of the latter that demonstrate this composer's temendous ability to bring words to life. The other settings, in E flat and A, are no less majestic. However, it is perhaps hard to appreciate these as one should when they are found on the same disc as those aforementioned. The rest of the CD provides a good contrast to the Evening settings. The anthems and motets provide for a more rounded view... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Colourful and always exciting
Disadvantages: absolutely none

...Harriet Smithson, who had just arrived with an English theatre group for performances of some of Shakespeare's plays. This created a massive impact on the very neurotic young man, who soon became obsessed with her. When she left Paris, it caused a crisis in Berlioz's life. Fuelled with his vivid imagination, the new musical influences, poetry and jealousy, he started writing a symphony, but not just any kind of symphony. THE SYMPHONIE FANTASTIQUE, OP.14 "An episode in the life of an artist" The Symphonie fantastique is a unique work in many ways. In 1830, a symphony was still conceived as a four movement, abstract work, with a certain expected structure. Berlioz's symphony had five movements, a literary programme, a larger orchestra than ever before, and a structural device that he called the "idée fixe," a melody that appears in every... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful