Search - Hector Berlioz, Valery Gergiev, Olga Borodina :: Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique; La Mort de Cléopâtre

Don't know much about classical but you know you like it?

Arnold M Hablewitz | Machseney Park, IL United States | 08/01/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Let me first state my disposition as a reviewer. I am a fan of classical music (yes, yes...I know this is the Romantic era, not the classical era) and I listen to it quite frequently. Having said that, I am a recent convert as I have been into other musical forms my whole life and only recently thanks to my musical studies in college have I really taken a serious liking to the music. Also, I know what I look for in a classical CD is different from most fans of classical because I do not find myself to be pompous, arrogant, or self-righteous when it comes to my tastes. So in other words, this is a review for people that are NOT stereotypical classical music listeners...



I look mainly for two things in this type of music...a fantastically passionate performance, and great sound quality where I can hear everything in such a rich and vibrant context. I believe this disc satisfies both of those two desires quite well.



Gergiev throws a lot of fire into this orchestra. Now I do not know the score 100% nor do I claim to be an expert of Berlioz (although I did a term paper for Music 222 on him), but I do know that I hear an extremely intense performance here. The conductor forces out so much emotion that it is only tempered by the musicians' carefully trained grace and gentle agility. The parts that blare out, blare out for a reason...because they are fortissimo!!! But as much as I enjoy a bit of "classical thunder" every now and then, probably my favorite part is during the "Reveries" movement at around 2 and a half minutes in, the pace picks up (accellerando) and slowly begins to crescendo. This moment in the piece is just so gracefully done and yet it just bores into you and forces you to notice. Beautiful...



As for the sound quality, although I do appreciate many older recordings of this piece, what I cannot seem to understand is how so many people out there are just so closeminded to new technology in sound engineering when it comes to classical music. To a lot of people I've met, it's all about Colin Davis and Leonard Bernstein, and while I think they were amazing conductors on a level unparralleled, I think I'd appreciate their recordings more if those old recordings were more vivid; if they were brought to life. This is the beauty of the modern age, where there's more mics, there's protools, and there's carefully designed rooms set up specifically for the purpose of recording large orchestras at their best and with the best sound available. This CD is just so vibrant that you really do find yourself listening more and more, not just hearing but LISTENING for the subtle nuances that make a piece like this so lush. And unlike past recordings...you actually find those subtle nuances.



I hope you find this review to be a breath of fresh air and to be helpful..."

Searingly Exciting Berlioz

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 03/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording of Hector Berlioz' SYMPHONIE FANTASTIQUE coupled with LA MORT DE CLEOPATRE with Olga Borodina is utterly amazing in its richness of sound, haunting lyricism, and simply brilliant conducting by Gergiev in the luxury of the Vienna Philharmonic. Though best known for his passionate recordings of the Russian repertoire, here Gergiev proves that he can immerse himself in the "French sound" and add another jewel to his crown. The Symphonie fantastique is just that in his interpretation - otherworldly and yet never out of control. Olga Borodina has a big voice for Cleopatre's music and does not approach the genteel lyricism of, say, Crespin, Baker, or von Otter, but her musicianship is unfailing and the closing death lines are whispered convincingly. The sound on this recording is superb. This is definitely a first choice for the Berlioz works."

Fine Berlioz From Gergiev and the Vienna Philharmonic

John Kwok | New York, NY USA | 12/04/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Since Berlioz's life and career is being celebrated this year, I am not surprised that Valery Gergiev decided to record Berlioz's most popular orchestral work with the Vienna Philharmonic. It is an excellent performance, replete with much warmth and brilliance, from one of the world's greatest orchestras. However, I would not recommend this performance over Sir Colin Davis's electrifying accounts with both the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and London Symphony Orchestra. Instead, this is a fine alternative, showcasing Gergiev's skill at coaxing dramatic, fiery performances from the orchestras he conducts. The true gems on this recording are those two sung by one of Gergiev's favorite singers, supported by thrilling performances by the Vienna Philharmonic. These are a rare coupling with the Symphonie Fantastique. The sound quality is splendid, up to Philips' state-of-the-art standards."