Munch conducts Berlioz [Box set]
On this CD:
1. Roméo et Juliette, for alto, tenor, bass, chorus, & orchestra ("symphonie dramatique"), H.79 (Op. 17)
Composed by Hector Berlioz
Performed by Leslie Chabay, Harvard Glee Club
Conducted by Charles Munch
2. Les Nuits d'été, song cycle for voice & piano (or orchestra), H. 81 (Op. 7) Les nuits d'ete
Composed by Hector Berlioz
Performed by Victoria de Los Angeles
Conducted by Charles Munch
3. Les Troyens, opera, H. 133a Royal Hunt and Storm
Composed by Hector Berlioz
Conducted by Charles Munch
4. Damnation de Faust, La, for mezzo-soprano, tenor, baritone, bass, chorus and orchestra, ("légende dramatique") H. 111 (Op. 24)
Composed by Hector Berlioz
Performed by McHenry Boatwright, Suzanne Danco, Donald Gramm, Harvard Glee Club, Joseph de Pasquale
Conducted by Charles Munch
5. Overture to Béatrice et Bénédict, opera, H. 138 Overture
Composed by Hector Berlioz
Conducted by Charles Munch
6. Le Corsaire, ouverture (Le Corsaire Overture), for orchestra, H. 101 (Op. 21)
Composed by Hector Berlioz
Conducted by Charles Munch
7. Benvenuto Cellini, opera, H. 76a, Op. 23 Overture
Composed by Hector Berlioz
Conducted by Charles Munch
8. L' Enfance du Christ, oratorio for soprano, 2 tenors, Baritone, 3 basses, chorus & orchetsra ("trilogie sacrée") H. 130 (Op. 25)
Composed by Hector Berlioz
Performed by Doriot Anthony Dwyer, Lucien Olivier, James Pappoutsakis
Conducted by Charles Munch
9. Harold en Italie (Harold in Italy), symphony for viola & orchestra, H. 68 (Op. 16)
Composed by Hector Berlioz
Performed by William Primrose
Conducted by Charles Munch
10. Le carnival romain, ouverture catactéristique (Roman Carnival Overture) for orchestra, H.95 (Op. 9)
Composed by Hector Berlioz
Conducted by Charles Munch
11. Requiem (Grande Messe des morts), for tenor, chorus, & orchestra, H. 75 (Op. 5)
Composed by Hector Berlioz
Performed by Leopold Simoneau
Conducted by Charles Munch
12. Symphonie fantastique for orchestra ("Episode de la vie d'un Artiste...en cinq parties"), H.48 (Op. 14)
Composed by Hector Berlioz
Conducted by Charles Munch
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Charles Munch's rousing yet elegant way with Berlioz was amply documented by RCA Victor in the fifties and sixties. Much of this material has turned up on CD before, yet the greater presence and definition of BMG's 20-bit transfers tip the scales in favor of this eight-disc compilation. The slight tape dropouts marring an earlier reissue of the 1954 stereo Fantastique, for instance, are remedied, though I still prefer Munch's more disciplined, character-filled 1962 remake (BMG 09026-61721-2). And why the mono Roméo et Juliette again, while the 1961 stereo version still awaits CD transfer? No complaints, though, about the magnificent 1953 Damnation, the delicate and tender L'Enfance du Christ, and Victoria de Los Angeles' gossamer Nuits D'été. And tenor soloist Léopold Simoneau's gorgeous Sanctus is worth the price of the 1959 Requiem. The various overtures filling out the set, as well as Harold en Italie, are superficially exciting, but lack the finesse and proportion Colin Davis brings to this repertoire. Excellent annotations. --Dan Davis
Munch conducts Berlioz, Music, Gérard Souzay, Lucien Olivier, Martial Singher, Donald Gramm, Giorgio Tozzi, McHenry Boatwright, Yi-Kwei Sze, Yi-Kwei-Sze, Hector Berlioz, Charles Münch, Harvard Glee Club, Doriot Anthony Dwyer, James Pappoutsakis, Bernard Zighera, Louis Speyer, Suzanne Danco, Victoria de Los Angeles, Cesare Valletti, David Poleri, Leslie Chabay, Léopold Simoneau, Joseph de Pasquale, William Primrose, Choral, Classical, Classical Music, Concerto, French Romantic Opera, Opera, Oratorio, Orchestral, Requiem/Requiem Section, Romantic Overture for Orchestra, Secular Music for More One Soloist, Chorus and Instr, Song Cycle for Solo Voice with Piano or Orchestra, Symphonic, Symphony, Violin Concerto, Vocal
Average customer rating:
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Munch Conducts Berlioz
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
 All Works by Berlioz
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Similar Items:
- Vaughan Williams: The Nine Symphonies
- The Verdi Recordings
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- Ernest Ansermet: Decca Recordings 1953-1967
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ASIN: B0001TSWPU
Release Date: 2004-11-23 |
Customer Reviews:
A sequence of gems.......2005-07-06
This compendium of all of Charles Munch's Berlioz recordings with the Boston Symphony Orchestra is not to be missed, particularly as RCA's refurbished sonics, with some allowance for a few mono items, are deeply satisfying and the price is scaled to a beggar's purse. Both performances of the Fantastique, a Munch/BSO specialty, are included and both Romeos.
Exceptional singing from the likes of Danco, de los Angeles, Souzay and Valletti, among others, is on offer, and the BSO's first-deskers cover themselves with glory. This set is a valuable memento in particular of first flute Doriot Anthony Dwyer's playing. Perhaps it is useless to catalog some of my favorites here, but I can't resist reminding anyone susceptible to the unique Berlioz combination of elegance and drama of the Harold in Italy with Primrose as soloist, the Requiem (still my preferred version), the stereo Romeo where it strikes me that the composer is not loquacious and bombastic but eloquent, often terse, with not a wasted note, and L'Enfance du Christ.
If you miss this, you will be sorry, even if, like me, you already have some of its contents. A sequence of gems.
-Frank W. Barham
Average customer rating:
- Always in the right spirit, but sloppy and dated
- A Must-Have Set
- Great Performances From the Past
|
Munch conducts Berlioz
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
All Works by Berlioz
| Berlioz, Hector
| ( B )
| Featured Composers, A-Z
| Classical
| Styles
| Music
General
| Concertos
| Forms & Genres
| Classical
| Styles
| Music
Overtures
| Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music
| Forms & Genres
| Classical
| Styles
| Music
Requiems
| Forms & Genres
| Early Music
| Historical Periods
| Classical
| Styles
| Music
Violin
| Strings
| Instruments
| Classical
| Styles
| Music
General
| Symphonies
| Classical
| Styles
| Music
General
| Classical
| Styles
| Music
Romances
| Classical (c.1770-1830)
| Historical Periods
| Opera & Vocal
| Styles
| Music
General
| Opera & Vocal
| Styles
| Music
French
| Languages
| Opera & Vocal
| Styles
| Music
Oratorios
| Opera & Vocal
| Styles
| Music
Oratorios
| Vocal Non-Opera
| Opera & Vocal
| Styles
| Music
Requiems
| Vocal Non-Opera
| Opera & Vocal
| Styles
| Music
Classical
| Box Sets
| Stores
| Music
Classical Music
| The Sony BMG Masterworks Store
| Amazon.com Label Stores
| Stores
| Music
Classical Instrumental Music
| The Sony BMG Masterworks Store
| Amazon.com Label Stores
| Stores
| Music
Opera & Vocal
| The Sony BMG Masterworks Store
| Amazon.com Label Stores
| Stores
| Music
ASIN: B000003G1I
Release Date: 1996-11-12 |
Tracks:
- Romeo And Juliet: Part I: Intro: Tumult And Strife-The Prince Intervenes - Margaret Roggero/Leslie Chabay/Yi-Kwei Sze
- Romeo And Juliet: Part I: Intro: D'Anciennes Haines Endormies - Margaret Roggero/Leslie Chabay/Yi-Kwei Sze
- Romeo And Juliet: Part I: Intro: Premiers Transports Que Nul N'Oublie! - Margaret Roggero/Leslie Chabay/Yi-Kwei Sze
- Romeo And Juliet: Part I: Intro: Bientot De Romeo La Pale Reverie - Margaret Roggero/Leslie Chabay/Yi-Kwei Sze
- Romeo And Juliet: Part II: Intro: Romeo Alone - Margaret Roggero/Leslie Chabay/Yi-Kwei Sze
- Romeo And Juliet: Part II: Intro: Sadness - Margaret Roggero/Leslie Chabay/Yi-Kwei Sze
- Romeo And Juliet: Part II: Intro: Distant Sounds Of Music And Dancing - Margaret Roggero/Leslie Chabay/Yi-Kwei Sze
- Romeo And Juliet: Part II: Intro: Festivities At The Capulet Palace - Margaret Roggero/Leslie Chabay/Yi-Kwei Sze
- Romeo And Juliet: Part II: Intro: Starlit Night - Margaret Roggero/Leslie Chabay/Yi-Kwei Sze
- Romeo And Juliet: Part II: Intro: Love Scene - Margaret Roggero/Leslie Chabay/Yi-Kwei Sze
- Romeo And Juliet: Part II: Intro: Scherzo: Queen Mab - Margaret Roggero/Leslie Chabay/Yi-Kwei Sze
- Romeo And Juliet: Part III: Into: Funeral March For Juliet - Margaret Roggero/Leslie Chabay/Yi-Kwei Sze
Tracks:
- Romeo And Juliet: Part III: Into: Romeo At The Tomb Of The Capulets - Margaret Roggero/Leslie Chabay/Yi-Kwei Sze
- Romeo And Juliet: Part III: Into: Invocation - Margaret Roggero/Leslie Chabay/Yi-Kwei Sze
- Romeo And Juliet: Part III: Into: Juliet's Awakening - Margaret Roggero/Leslie Chabay/Yi-Kwei Sze
- Romeo And Juliet: Part III: Into: Death Of The Lovers - Margaret Roggero/Leslie Chabay/Yi-Kwei Sze
- Romeo And Juliet: Part III: Into: Quoi! Romeo De Retour! - Margaret Roggero/Leslie Chabay/Yi-Kwei Sze
- Romeo And Juliet: Part III: Into: Je Vais Devoiler Le Mystere - Margaret Roggero/Leslie Chabay/Yi-Kwei Sze
- Romeo And Juliet: Part III: Into: Pauvres Enfants Que Je Pleure - Margaret Roggero/Leslie Chabay/Yi-Kwei Sze
- Romeo And Juliet: Part III: Into: Jurez Donc Par L'Auguste Symbole - Margaret Roggero/Leslie Chabay/Yi-Kwei Sze
- Summer Nights, Op.7: Villanelle - Victoria De Los Angeles
- Summer Nights, Op.7: Le Spectre De La Rose - Victoria De Los Angeles
- Summer Nights, Op.7: Sur Les Lagunes - Victoria De Los Angeles
- Summer Nights, Op.7: Absence - Victoria De Los Angeles
- Summer Nights, Op.7: Au Cimetiere (Clair De Lune) - Victoria De Los Angeles
- Summer Nights, Op.7: Lile Inconnue - Victoria De Los Angeles
- Summer Nights, Op.7: Royal Hunt And Storm - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
Tracks:
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part I: Le Vieil Hiver A Fait Place Au Printemps - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part I: Les Bergers Laissent Leurs Troupeaux - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part I: Mais D'Un Eclat Guerrier - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part I: Hungarian March - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part II: Sans Regrets - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part II: Christ Vient De Ressusciter! - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part II: Helas! Doux Chants Du Ciel - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part II: O Pure Emation! - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part II: A Boire Encor! Du Vin - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part II: Oh! Qu'Il Fait Bon - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part II: Certain Rat - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part II: Amen, Amen - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part II: Vrai Dieu, Messieurs - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part II: Une Puce Gentille - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part II: Assez! Fuyons Ces Lieux - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part II: Voici Des Roses - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part II: Dors! Heureux Faust, Dors! - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part II: Ballet Of The Sylphs - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part II: Margarita! - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part II: Villes Entourees - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part III: The Retreat - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part III: Merci, Doux Crepuscule! - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part III: Je L'Entends! - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part III: Que L'Air Est Etouffant! - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part III: The King Of Thule - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part III: Esprits Des Flammes Inconstantes - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
Tracks:
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part III: Minuet Of The Will-o-the-Wisps - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part III: Maintenant, Chantons A Cette Belle - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part III: Grands Dieux! - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part III: Allons, Il Est Trop Tard! - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part IV: D'Amour L'Ardente Flamme - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part IV: Au Son Des Trompettes - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part IV: Invocation To Nature - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part IV: A La Voute Azuree - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part IV: The Ride To The Abyss - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part IV: Ha! Irimiru Karabrao! - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part IV: Alors L'Enfer Se Tut - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part IV: Laus! Hosanna! - Suzanne Danco/David Poleri/Martial Singher/Donald Gramm
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part IV: Beatrice Et Benedict: Ov - Cesare Valletti/Florence Kopleff/Gerard Souzay/Giorgio Tozzi
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part IV: Le Corsaire, Op.21 - Cesare Valletti/Florence Kopleff/Gerard Souzay/Giorgio Tozzi
- The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Part IV: Benvenuto Cellini: Ov - Cesare Valletti/Florence Kopleff/Gerard Souzay/Giorgio Tozzi
Tracks:
- L'Enfance Du Christ, Op.25: Part I: Dans La Creche - Cesare Valletti/Florence Kopleff/Gerard Souzay/Giorgio Tozzi
- L'Enfance Du Christ, Op.25: Part I: Qui Vient? - Cesare Valletti/Florence Kopleff/Gerard Souzay/Giorgio Tozzi
- L'Enfance Du Christ, Op.25: Part I: Toujours Ce Reve! - Cesare Valletti/Florence Kopleff/Gerard Souzay/Giorgio Tozzi
- L'Enfance Du Christ, Op.25: Part I: Seigneur! - Cesare Valletti/Florence Kopleff/Gerard Souzay/Giorgio Tozzi
- L'Enfance Du Christ, Op.25: Part I: Les Sages De Judee - Cesare Valletti/Florence Kopleff/Gerard Souzay/Giorgio Tozzi
- L'Enfance Du Christ, Op.25: Part I: La Voix Dit Vrai, Seigneur - Cesare Valletti/Florence Kopleff/Gerard Souzay/Giorgio Tozzi
- L'Enfance Du Christ, Op.25: Part I:Eh Bien! - Cesare Valletti/Florence Kopleff/Gerard Souzay/Giorgio Tozzi
- L'Enfance Du Christ, Op.25: Part I: O Mon Cher Fils - Cesare Valletti/Florence Kopleff/Gerard Souzay/Giorgio Tozzi
- L'Enfance Du Christ, Op.25: Part I: Joseph! Marie! - Cesare Valletti/Florence Kopleff/Gerard Souzay/Giorgio Tozzi
- L'Enfance Du Christ, Op.25: Part II: Ov - Cesare Valletti/Florence Kopleff/Gerard Souzay/Giorgio Tozzi
- L'Enfance Du Christ, Op.25: Part II: The Shepherds' Farewell To The Holy Family - Cesare Valletti/Florence Kopleff/Gerard Souzay/Giorgio Tozzi
- L'Enfance Du Christ, Op.25: Part II: Les Pelerins Etant Venus - Cesare Valletti/Florence Kopleff/Gerard Souzay/Giorgio Tozzi
- L'Enfance Du Christ, Op.25: Part III: Depuis Trois Jours - Cesare Valletti/Florence Kopleff/Gerard Souzay/Giorgio Tozzi
- L'Enfance Du Christ, Op.25: Part III: Dans Cette Ville Immense - Cesare Valletti/Florence Kopleff/Gerard Souzay/Giorgio Tozzi
- L'Enfance Du Christ, Op.25: Part III: Entrez, Entrez, Pauvres Hebreux - Cesare Valletti/Florence Kopleff/Gerard Souzay/Giorgio Tozzi
- L'Enfance Du Christ, Op.25: Part III: Sur Vos Traits Fatigues - Cesare Valletti/Florence Kopleff/Gerard Souzay/Giorgio Tozzi
Tracks:
- L'Enfance Du Christ, Op.25: Part III: Trio - Cesare Valletti/Florence Kopleff/Gerard Souzay/Giorgio Tozzi
- L'Enfance Du Christ, Op.25: Part III: Vous Pleurez, Jeune Mere - Cesare Valletti/Florence Kopleff/Gerard Souzay/Giorgio Tozzi
- L'Enfance Du Christ, Op.25: Part III: Ce Fut Ainsi Que Par Un Infidele - Cesare Valletti/Florence Kopleff/Gerard Souzay/Giorgio Tozzi
- Harold in Italy, Op.16: Harold in The Mountains - Leopold Simoneau/New England Conservatory ChorLorna Cooke De Varon
- Harold in Italy, Op.16: March Of The Pilgrims - Leopold Simoneau/New England Conservatory ChorLorna Cooke De Varon
- Harold in Italy, Op.16: Ser - Leopold Simoneau/New England Conservatory ChorLorna Cooke De Varon
- Harold in Italy, Op.16: Orgy Of The Brigands - William Primrose
- Harold in Italy, Op.16: Roman Carnival, Op.9 - Leopold Simoneau/New England Conservatory ChorLorna Cooke De Varon
Tracks:
- Requiem, Op.5: Requiem Et Kyrie - Leopold Simoneau/New England Conservatory ChorLorna Cooke De Varon
- Requiem, Op.5: Dies Irae - Leopold Simoneau/New England Conservatory ChorLorna Cooke De Varon
- Requiem, Op.5: Quid Sum Miser - Leopold Simoneau/New England Conservatory ChorLorna Cooke De Varon
- Requiem, Op.5: Rex Tremendae - Leopold Simoneau/New England Conservatory ChorLorna Cooke De Varon
- Requiem, Op.5: Quaerens Me - Leopold Simoneau/New England Conservatory ChorLorna Cooke De Varon
- Requiem, Op.5: Lacrymosa - Leopold Simoneau/New England Conservatory ChorLorna Cooke De Varon
- Requiem, Op.5: Offertorium - Leopold Simoneau/New England Conservatory ChorLorna Cooke De Varon
- Requiem, Op.5: Hostias - Leopold Simoneau/New England Conservatory ChorLorna Cooke De Varon
Tracks:
- Requiem, Op.5: Sanctus - Leopold Simoneau/New England Conservatory ChorLorna Cooke De Varon
- Requiem, Op.5: Agnus Dei - Leopold Simoneau/New England Conservatory ChorLorna Cooke De Varon
- Sym Fant, Op.14: Passions - Charles Munch/Boston Sym Orch
- Sym Fant, Op.14: A Ball - Charles Munch/Boston Sym Orch
- Sym Fant, Op.14: Scene In The Country - Charles Munch/Boston Sym Orch
- Sym Fant, Op.14: March To The Scaffold - Charles Munch/Boston Sym Orch
- Sym Fant, Op.14: Dream Of A Witches' Sabbath - Charles Munch/Boston Sym Orch
Amazon.com
Charles Munch's rousing yet elegant way with Berlioz was amply documented by RCA Victor in the fifties and sixties. Much of this material has turned up on CD before, yet the greater presence and definition of BMG's 20-bit transfers tip the scales in favor of this eight-disc compilation. The slight tape dropouts marring an earlier reissue of the 1954 stereo Fantastique, for instance, are remedied, though I still prefer Munch's more disciplined, character-filled 1962 remake (BMG 09026-61721-2). And why the mono Roméo et Juliette again, while the 1961 stereo version still awaits CD transfer? No complaints, though, about the magnificent 1953 Damnation, the delicate and tender L'Enfance du Christ, and Victoria de Los Angeles' gossamer Nuits D'été. And tenor soloist Léopold Simoneau's gorgeous Sanctus is worth the price of the 1959 Requiem. The various overtures filling out the set, as well as Harold en Italie, are superficially exciting, but lack the finesse and proportion Colin Davis brings to this repertoire. Excellent annotations. --Dan Davis
Customer Reviews:
Always in the right spirit, but sloppy and dated.......2005-09-18
This set really doesn't hold a candle to the complete Berlioz with Colin Davis on Philips, or to many great readigs of the individual pieces. Despite Munch's reputation, his Berlioz is often hectic and slpppy. The chorus work is particularly disappointing, since he had to rely on either the Harvard-Radcliffe or New England Conservatory choruses, there being no professional group in Boston at the time. The highlight of this box is the Romeo and Juliet, one of two recordings Munch made for RCA in Boston, and the overtues are bliazingly done. I also like the L'enfance du Christ veyr much, but overall the deficits in sonics make this a valuable historical set rather than a definitive modern one.
A Must-Have Set.......2005-02-26
Other conductors do this repertoire, of course, but this set contains recordings of one master by another, who was born to conduct this music. Munch is the iconic Berlioz conductor just as Gieseking was the iconic Debussy interpreter. No fan of Berlioz or Munch should be without these masterful recordings. It was inspired of RCA to combine them all in one box for a reasonable price.
Great Performances From the Past.......2000-06-24
I had been waiting for this 1959 recording of the Berlioz Requiem to be remastered and released on CD. No release since can compare with this one! Unfortunately, this work was not released on its' own, but was included with several other works by Berlioz as recorded by Munch and the BSO over a period of years. The sound is therefore a bit dated, however with this newly remastered release, I was able to hear things that I couldn't hear i the original releases. All in all, a very excellent selection- well worthwhile for those who appreciate the older BSO.
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