Berlioz – Symphonie Fantastique - Ataulfo Argenta, The Paris Conservatoire Orchestra
Rarity - Sealed
Hector Berlioz - Symphonie Fantastique (Episode De La Vie D'Un Artiste), Opus 14
The Paris Conservatoire Orchestra
Conductor – Ataulfo Argenta
1LP, standard sleeve
Original analog Master tape : YES
Heavy Press : 180g
Record color : Black
Speed : 33 RPM
Size : 12'’
Stereo
Studio
Record Press : Pallas
Label : Speakers Corner
Original Label : Decca
Recorded 11 - 13 November 1957 at the Maison de la Mutualité, Paris.
Engineered by Ken Cress
Produced by James Walker, John Culshaw
Lacquer cut by Anthony Hawkins
Originally released in 1958
Reissued in June 1997
Tracks :
Side A:
1. 1st Mov. Rêveries, Passions (Largo - Allegro Agitato Ed Appassionato Assai)
2. 2nd Mov. Un Bal (Valse: Allegro Non Troppo)
3. 3rd Mov. Scène Aux Champs (Adagio) (Pt. 1)
Side B:
1. 3rd Mov. Scène Aux Champs (Adagio) (Pt. 2)
2. 4th Mov. Marche Au Supplice (Allegretto Non Troppo)
3. 5th Mov. Songe D'Une Nuit Du Sabbat (Larghetto - Allegro)
Reviews :
Behind the mysterious title Symphonie fantastique is to be found what was undoubtedly one of the most powerful musical compositions of its day. The highly controversial discussions which this autobiographical, extraordinary work provoked are quite understandable when one considers that Beethoven and Schubert had just put down their quills for the last time and that Wagner had only just left his childhood behind him. In commenting upon the daring cyclical structure of the work, one French music critic said, “In Berlioz’s Symphony we believe that we have seen the prelude to a revolution in instrumental music”.
In spite of being acknowledged and praised as a composer, Berlioz was never given the professorship he coveted at the Paris Conservatoire, and it might appear as if the renowned Conservatoire Orchestra was making its apologies for this in the present excellent recording.
The various scenes of the intoxicating programme music are approached with daring; dreadful, macabre ideas are presented in a low, gloomy and dark timbre until finally a heroic attitude comes to the fore, accompanied by thundering drum rolls, when the death sentence is pronounced. Fantastique!
Ratings :
Discogs : 4.5 / 5