Best Harold en Italie courtesy of Davis, etc.
John Kwok | New York, NY USA | 04/27/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Sir Colin Davis still remains our finest interpreter of Berlioz. His latest release on LSO Live, featuring the talents of not only the London Symphony Orchestra but also violist Tabea Zimmerman, is quite simply the finest recording of Harold en Italie I've heard. This is a grand, lively interpretation replete with Zimmerman's exquisite viola solos and fiery playing from the LSO's woodwinds and horns, especially in the last movement. The only recording I've heard which comes close to this in quality is an old Lorin Maazel Deutsche Grammophon recording with him conducting the Berlin Philharmonic. However, the London Symphony Orchestra's playing is warmer and more vibrant than their peers in Berlin. Without question this latest recording should be regarded as the definitive version of Berlioz's Harold en Italie."
A sweet, flowing account of Harold with lovely lyricism
Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 11/14/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Every word of the Amazon reviewer's rave sounds convincing--he's echoing the general rapture that greeted this live LSO recording in the UK--so I hoped that reality would match the advance hype. In some wys it does. The London Sym. plays with real delicacy and finesse throghout, and Davis's feeling for Berlioz's lyric line is both natural and touching. Also, Tadea Zimmermann is that rare soloist who can keep the viola from sounding stodgy and lachrymose. She's far from sounding lusty, as the Amazon reviewer claims, but is instead sweet and lively, both highly desirable qualities. On those accounts alone, this is a very fine reading of Harold in Italy.
Is it the ne plus ultra? Well, we have two classic recordings from the great William Primrose under Beecham and Koussevitzky, both of which are livelier and more volatile than this one, but of course they are in dated mono. In stereo there's Davis himself in his younger years, along with a vibrant recording under John Eliot Gardiner, both on Philips. For volatility no one beats Bernstein in an almost raucous performance on EMI. I think you could call the new Davis reading pre-eminent only if you prefer its lilting rhythms and flowing contours. If so, then his relative coolness and control in the finale will seem fine. Highly recommended."
Berlioz - In fine sound indeed!
Red-headed stepchild | London, UK | 04/01/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Unfamiliar with this composer, I picked this CD up in a second-hand CD shop in London this afternoon. I will definitely be listening to more Berlioz! I can't offer any comparison to other renditions, but this is enchanting music for sure.
I mainly feel compelled to review the recording to offset the absurd review stating that the recording is 'horrible.' Nothing could be further from the truth! Offering such a review, with nothing cited in the way of specifics is really reviewer malpractice! Sadly, at this date 75% of readers have found that opinion 'helpful' -- a tragedy!
The recording sounds great. Pianissimo moments are caught beautifully while sections of greater sonic density maintain clarity. There is really nothing to complain of.
I only reserve a star because I cannot claim that this is a definitive recording of the work -- my own ignorance of Berlioz there. The additional star may well be deserved."
