Symphonie fantastique (Episode aus dem Leben eines Künstlers) op. 14a 01. "1. Satz: Reveries - Passions" 02. "2. Satz: Un Bal" 03. "3. Satz: Scene aux champs" 04. "4. Satz: Marche au supplice" 05. "5. Satz a: Songe d'une Nuit du Sabbat" 06. "5. Satz b: Dies Irae" 07. "5. Satz c: Ronde du Sabbat" 08. "5. Satz d: Dies Irae et Ronde du Sabbat" 09. "Le Roi Lear (K?nig Lear) op. 4 (Ouvertüre)"
Number of discs:
1
Extra-Infos:
Pittsburgh S.o./ M.janowski
Description:
Symphony Fantastique/Le Roi L Ear is an album by H. Berlioz, released in 2010. The album is a Super Audio Cd classical CD. - PITTSBURGH S.O./M.JANOWSKI
"Symphonie fantastique/Le Roi Lear" in the SACD+CD format presents two of Hector Berlioz's most evocative orchestral works, performed by the acclaimed Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Marek Janowski. This release from Pentatone offers listeners a rich sonic experience, capturing both the dramatic narrative and vivid colors that define Berlioz?s music. The "Symphonie fantastique," a cornerstone of Romantic repertoire, is paired with the rarely recorded overture to "Le Roi Lear," providing an intriguing exploration into Berlioz's imaginative world. The hybrid SACD ensures audiophile-quality sound while also including a standard CD for versatile listening options.
Marek Janowski stands as one of today?s leading conductors, renowned for his interpretations of German and French repertoire. With an illustrious career spanning major orchestras across Europe and America, Janowski has garnered critical acclaim for his recordings?many considered reference versions?and continues to set benchmarks in symphonic performance. Under his direction, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra shines with precision and expressive depth.
Pentatone is recognized worldwide as a premier classical music label specializing in high-resolution audio formats such as SACD. Founded in 2001 by former Philips Classics executives, Pentatone has built its reputation on exceptional sound quality and artistic excellence. Their catalog features collaborations with top-tier artists and ensembles, consistently earning international awards for their innovative productions.
For the PSO to record a major work that isn't teutonic is an achievement. To make a wonderful recording and have it stand out is a miracle. I have excellent recordings of the PSO from the time Reiner recorded the Shostakovich 6 so it was a pleasant surprise to see Janowski and the PSO offer something French. The PSO's last attempt at the french repertoire was Saint-Saens' "organ" symphony with Maazel. Sadly, Maazel and the producer thought it a good idea to dub in the organ. (This is a curiosity for me. If I want my musicians to understand Saint-Saens' organ symphony, why would I waste their time by recording this masterwork without the organ in the same recording space? Leaving dubbing in classical music to the cannon blasts of the 1812 Overture, please.) On to the Berlioz.
Penta Tone has given us exceptional sonics and Janowski has balanced out the orchestral forces masterfully. From beginning to end, one can hear this orchestra execute the musical details with consistency, tenderness, and introspection. In fact, one of the qualities I most appreciate about this disc is that I cannot compare it with my long-time favorite reading by Colin Davis and the Concertgebouw. I think it's thrilling to have two satisfying renditions of this piece, neither outweighing the other in uniqueness, freshness, and bravado. The solo work is outstanding throughout, the bass is full, and the horn section impeccable. I was expecting a more frantic ending, but I understand Janowski's choice not to quicken the tempo. The Waltz is gorgeous and like the Davis/Concertgebouw, Janowski chose octave bells for the Witch's Sabbath.
Great stuff people! Give it a good listening!
