Colin Davis / London Symphony Orechestrs- Berlioz: Harold In Italy, & Three Overtures: (CD)
"Yet again Sir Colin Davis demonstrates his supreme mastery as a Berlioz interpreter... especially fascinating is to compare this latest Harold en Italie with earlier versions - the biggest contrast is the extra tautness of Davis's interpretation, with speeds consistently faster... The textures are sparer, sharper and lighter - bringing extra incisiveness all round. One other benefit is that the magnificent Tabea Zimmermann, is balanced as part of the orchestra. The beauty of her tone, with it's nut-brown colours on the C-string, is never masked, but the balance allows pianissimi of a delicacy never achieved by the 1975 version. In the introduction there is a repeat marked 'pianissimo possibile' - just what you hear in magic tones." (Gramophone)
Tracklist:
- Harold En Italie: I. Harold Aux Montaignes
- Harold En Italie: II. Marche Des Pélerins Chantant La Priere Du Soir
- Harold En Italie: III. Sérénade D’un Montagnard Des Abruzzes A Sa Maitresse
- Harold En Italie: IV. Orgie De Brigands = Souvenirs Des Scènes Précédentes
- Benvenuto Cellini: Ouverture
- Béatrice Et Bénédict: Ouverture
- Les Troyens: Chasse Royale Et Orage
"Yet again Sir Colin Davis demonstrates his supreme mastery as a Berlioz interpreter... especially fascinating is to compare this latest Harold en Italie with earlier versions - the biggest contrast is the extra tautness of Davis's interpretation, with speeds consistently faster... The textures are sparer, sharper and lighter - bringing extra incisiveness all round. One other benefit is that the magnificent Tabea Zimmermann, is balanced as part of the orchestra. The beauty of her tone, with it's nut-brown colours on the C-string, is never masked, but the balance allows pianissimi of a delicacy never achieved by the 1975 version. In the introduction there is a repeat marked 'pianissimo possibile' - just what you hear in magic tones." (Gramophone)
Tracklist:
- Harold En Italie: I. Harold Aux Montaignes
- Harold En Italie: II. Marche Des Pélerins Chantant La Priere Du Soir
- Harold En Italie: III. Sérénade D’un Montagnard Des Abruzzes A Sa Maitresse
- Harold En Italie: IV. Orgie De Brigands = Souvenirs Des Scènes Précédentes
- Benvenuto Cellini: Ouverture
- Béatrice Et Bénédict: Ouverture
- Les Troyens: Chasse Royale Et Orage