Search - Hector Berlioz, Thomas Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra :: Berlioz: Grande Messe des Morts

Why did it take so long for this to be released?

kreisleriana16 | Minneapolis, MN USA | 10/27/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This performance has been in my tape library for years and was finally transferred to CD Rom. I have not listened to the Audio release per se. This is a powerful performance that dispells the idea that Sir Thomas concentrated in lighter works. The BBC performance is emotionally charged and well thought out. All though it was performed towards the end of his life the last "official recording" was the HMV performance of Ein Heldenleben. If anything the Requiem would have also done him justice. Beecham was an excellent Berlioz conductor with recordings of many of the overtures, "Harold in Italy", and the Symphony Fantastique - to name a few. The sound (at least on my CD) is quite acceptable considering that it is doubtful that the BBC went all out for the "state of the art" at that period. Nevermind the coughing and hacking that preceeds and follows each movement; it merely adds to the fact that this is a live performance. The Dies Irae leading to the Tuba Mirim builds up to the point where you *know* that you have finally reached judgement day. The chorus and orchestra, not to mention the four brass bands and sixteen timpani are of high quality with an excellent sense of dynamics throughout the performance.Thankfully the BBC has permitted this performance along with the memorable concert including the Beethoven 7th to be released on Audio. One can now hope that the equally powerful performance that Beecham did of the Beethoven 9th will also be released (if it hasn't all been all ready). Those who admired Beecham must include this in their collection. Those who want an outstanding performance of a magnificant work despite the fact that it is "live" should also include it in their collection. Unlike so many recored performances that can be spliced and "put together" a live performance has a magical quality that canned music simply can not equal."

An engrossing, magnetic live performance of this masterpiece

ronleach@nortelnetworks.com | North Carolina | 08/06/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From the first sounds of the audience anticipating the start of this performance to the final solemn 'amen,' I was transported by the conducting, playing, and singing of this performance of Berlioz'Requiem. This was one of Beecham's last performances before his death and whether any premonition of his mortality went into the performance one can never know but the effect of this performance is profoundly moving."

Beecham's Berlioz Requiem

Jeffrey Lipscomb | Sacramento, CA United States | 05/11/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Over the years I have accumulated several recordings of the Berlioz "Grande Messe des Morts." I learned the work via its first recorded performance, a WW II Paris reading conducted by Jean Fournet (Columbia LPs). Then along came the celebrated Charles Munch/BSO account (RCA LPs), followed by Hermann Scherchen's (recorded for Westminster LPs at Les Invalides, where the Requiem was premiered). I knew of this "live" 1959 Beecham account - it circulated in the private tape "underground" - but the sound was reportedly dreadful and I never acquired a copy.



Now, thanks to BBC Legends, this magnificent Beecham account is finally available in EXCELLENT mono sound. It was Beecham's final concert in London's Royal Albert Hall, and the sense of atmosphere is palpable. From the very opening phrases, this is a simply spellbinding performance. Beecham's meticulous orchestral weightings give us the Berlioz "sound" in spades, and the Royal Philharmonic plays its hearts out for him (just listen to those lusty brass outbursts!). The choral work is first rate (preferable, I think, to the New England Conservatory Chorus under Munch), and the tempos strike me as perfectly judged (unlike the rather eccentric Scherchen's). Richard Lewis sings beautifully in the Sanctus, even though I slightly prefer two other tenors here (Leopold Simoneau with Munch, and Georges Jouatte in the Fournet set). And just listen to the Agnus Dei (from about 4:30 into it): if this doesn't bring tears to your eyes, nothing will.



As Requiems have a way of reminding us, life is too short. If I could have just one recorded performance of the Berlioz Requiem, then let it be Beecham's.



Highest recommendation."