Search - Berlioz, Saint-Saens, Bressler :: Requiem / Organ Symphony

Maurice Abravanel has a keen sense of the huge scope of Berlioz's masterpiece, which he unfolds with little exaggeration. The choral forces are responsive to Abravanel's remarkably calm interpretation of the broadly lyrical portions of the score, but when the score suddenly explodes, the need for a bit more powerful choral sound can be felt. Bressler's tenor solos are sweetly sung, and the orchestra is attentive and strong. The original recording's pungent resonance has been retained in this digital remastering, which seems to have increased its depth of clarity. One of the better-recorded performances of the Saint-Saëns symphony is a welcome coupling. --Paul Turok