COMPOSERS: Berlioz
LABELS: Virgin Veritas
WORKS: Symphonie fantastique; Les francs-juges Overture
PERFORMER: London Classical Players/Roger Norrington
CATALOGUE NO: VM 5 61379 2 1989/90
Norrington’s version of Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique was the first to use period instruments. Despite the passage of time, it still remains a revelatory experience, pinpointing subtleties of texture and articulation that are far less evident in modern orchestral performances. The much augmented London Classical Players relish the opportunity to flex their muscles in such repertoire. They convey a sense of elation at covering entirely new perspectives in a well-worn masterpiece.
Berlioz: Symphonie fantastique; Les francs-juges Overture
Norrington’s version of Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique was the first to use period instruments. Despite the passage of time, it still remains a revelatory experience, pinpointing subtleties of texture and articulation that are far less evident in modern orchestral performances. The much augmented London Classical Players relish the opportunity to flex their muscles in such repertoire. They convey a sense of elation at covering entirely new perspectives in a well-worn masterpiece.
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:41 pm