Search - Philadelphia Orchestra :: Berlioz: Symphonie fantastique Op14; Mussorgsky: Night on Bald Mountain

An excellent Symphonie fantastique

Richard A. Cavalla | NJ, USA | 01/24/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of my favorite Symphonie fantastiques. Ormandy approaches the symphony with a surprising amount of energy and conviction. The first movement, "Reveries; Passions", is particularly volatile, capturing the almost schizophrenic mood swings perfectly. The Ball scene has some dark undercurrents that I would not normally expect from Ormandy, but they work well. The Scene in the Country unfolds beautifully, though the rumbling thunder at the end too easily betrays its orchestral origins; I have heard other performances where you would swear it really is thunder! The March to the Scaffold is a bit too fast for my taste, and Ormandy does not play the repeat. I tend to like a slower tempo AND the repeat, as I feel it creates more tension and a more ominous feeling. The Sabbath Night is superb, with the Dies Irae theme coming forth with both power and atmosphere. I do have to complain about Sony's mastering though - they turn the final movement into four separate tracks, a practice I disagree with. All in all, most of my complaints are minor, and this is a very worthwhile performance. I appreciate Ormandy's willingness to treat the symphony as a symphony, a unified whole, and not an episodic work. Of course, one needs to also give credit to the Philadephians, whose playing is as wonderful as one would expect.
Dukas' The Sorcerer's Apprentice will forever be known as the "Mickey Mouse music" to millions because of its use in both Fantasia films. It certainly is a charming and exciting work, if nowehere near the level of Berlioz's masterpiece. Ormandy brings out the best in it.
Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain owes much to the Sabbath Night of the Symphonie fantastique. Indeed, it seems to pick up where the Berlioz left off. I have no reference recording, but I think the piece probably calls for more demonic energy and intensity than Ormandy gives it. It it still very enjoyable even if it is not the last word in interpretation.
The disc is recommended, particularly at the price."