Essential Berlioz discs.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Well - it is very good, even if the tempo for the March to the Scaffold is a bit steady . . .

Yes. This is puzzling. I always think the conductor in question likes to do the opposite of everyone else. Normally he tries to play faster than everyone else, but when he can't, plays it at a snail's pace.

[teamsaint]

- JEGgers is a superb Berlioz conductor; his earlier ERATO recordings with the Lyon orchestra (including an especially good set of Melodie) as well as the OR&R (originally on PHILLIPS) - with the latter, the Romeo & Juliet is a particular favourite of mine.

There used to be a Video of the Symphonie Fantastique performance, but I can't find if it is still available on DVD. I see that there is a Blu-Ray of his Troyens, which I didn't know about.

http://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/r/Decca/E743212

is this the one, Ferney?

( Normally despatched in 8-10 working days . lightning !!)

bargain at £11 on Prestoclassical, compared to the £20 at amazon.

Really enjoying reading the recommendations and discussion .

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

http://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/r/Decca/E743212

is this the one, Ferney?

Aha! It very probably is - the video (IIRC) just had the Symphonie; the Messe Solennelle has been added for this release. Very worth watching those early 19th Century instruments in action, as well as an excellent performance.

[Nick Armstrong]

Symphonie Fantastique, Paul Paray/Detroit Symphony, Mercury Try the un bal movement for starters

I did! Thanks Apple Music

Does it have the cornet part?

I can answer this now: no it doesn't.

But it's pretty intoxicating stuff nonetheless - seems all of a piece with the hallucinogenic final 2 movements somehow - I don't think our hero went to the Ball stone-cold sober!

[Bryn]

http://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/r/Decca/E743212

is this the one, Ferney?

( Normally despatched in 8-10 working days . lightning !!)

bargain at £11 on Prestoclassical, compared to the £20 at amazon.

Really enjoying reading the recommendations and discussion .

Eh? Just ordered it (New) for £8.59 including p&p from an amazon.co.uk marketplace supplier.

Amazon's own price is £13.62 including p&p. which is less than the Presto price if ordered alone (£3 p&p).

Do note, there is no LPCM option for the audio, just Dolby Digital (AC-3) and DTS.

[Barbirollians]

I don't find Davis in Berlioz overrated either .

[cloughie]

Surprised no mention of Argenta, Munch , Martinon or Bernstein.

[David-G]

The Philips recording of Les Troyens, which was my introduction to this marvellous work. And the LSO Live set, which I regard with particular affection as I was there. Also, the Davis set of Benvenuto Cellini. There is a fine recording of two scenes from Act 5 of Les Troyens with Janet Baker singing Dido, with Sir Alexander Gibson conducting. I am not sure if this was the same disc as the Cleopatre that was referred to above. So far as I know this has never been released on CD other than in the EMI box of Janet Baker's recordings.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

... the Cleopatre that was referred to above. So far as I know this has never been released on CD other than in the EMI box of Janet Baker's recordings.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000002SF4

[teamsaint]

Eh? Just ordered it (New) for £8.59 including p&p from an amazon.co.uk marketplace supplier.

Amazon's own price is £13.62 including p&p. which is less than the Presto price if ordered alone (£3 p&p).

Do note, there is no LPCM option for the audio, just Dolby Digital (AC-3) and DTS.

Must be a multiple listing on Amazon.
Good spot .

( just checked, here is the link, which I got from the " buy" button on the Decca site !!)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/BERLOIZ-REDISCOVERED/dp/B0044VRT2I%3FSubscriptionId%3DAKIAJV4KPN4PSSHOJJSA%26tag%3Ddeccclas04-21%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB0044VRT2I

[Richard Barrett]

it was Davis' recordings that first turned me on to Berlioz; and the detailed lines of instrumental texture was what specifically caught my attention.

Maybe it has something to do with Philips' often somewhat murky recording techniques too. (In his recordings of Tippett, where I'm more familiar with the scores, there are small but significant details which are completely inaudible.)

[BBMmk2]

The LSO Live Bicentenniere box set, with Sir Colin!

[Nick Armstrong]

Maybe it has something to do with Philips' often somewhat murky recording techniques too. (In his recordings of Tippett, where I'm more familiar with the scores, there are small but significant details which are completely inaudible.)

... one reason I love the Concertgebouw Symphonie Fantastique - a much more transparent, airy recording where everything is audible yet still with impact and 'bloom'; perhaps they were inspired by the qualities of the hall itself...

[Ferretfancy]

Here are four I wouldn't wish to be without.

Royal Hunt and Storm - Boston SO / Munch, quite marvellous horn playing.

Overtures - LSO Davis, rather more ardent performances than his later ones

Romeo and Juliet ( Complete ) LSO / Monteux

Les Nuit D'Ete - OSR /Crespin / Ansermet, still a benchmark I think.

There are not very many versions of the Rob Roy Overture, but Boult made a nice very early stereo recording with the LPO. The snag is that it's coupled with a set of the Schumann symphonies, well worth it in themselves, but maybe not competitive.

[gurnemanz]

Surprised no mention of Argenta, Munch , Martinon or Bernstein.

I'll mention Bernstein. I wouldn't want to be without his 1963 "psychedelic" Symphonie Fantastique. I love those tubas in the Songe d'une nuit de Sabbat. Also endorse Régine Crespin in Nuits (see Ferret above). Another oldie but goodie is the superbly Gallic Markevitch Damnation (1959 stereo).