add to wish list | library


37 of 39 recommend this,
would you recommend it?

yes | no

Support this site by purchasing from these vendors using the paid links below. As an Amazon Associate SA-CD.net earns from qualifying purchases.
 
amazon.ca
amazon.co.uk
amazon.com
amazon.de
 
amazon.fr
amazon.it
 
jpc

Reviews: Berlioz: Requiem - Munch

Reviews: 2

Review by Chris April 13, 2005 (13 of 16 found this review helpful)
Performance:   Sonics:
Do I or anyone else with this work already in their collection really need this one too?
My answer is YES, YES, YES!!!
Not only is it offered at an irresistable, two for one, bargain price from many dealers.
This recording made in 1959 is also IMO in almost all respects better than any other recording I have heard of Berlioz's majestic Requiem.

Like every other Living Stereo release from Boston and Munch the playing and interpretation are
world class.The recording is also one of the most natural and lifelike recordings of a large orchestra and full choir that I have heard.
Its only limitation would be that a modern DSD recording would theoretically have a larger dynamic range. And with surround equipment you would hear the majestic fanfares from behind as Berlioz actually intended.


I have in my collection both Munch's DGG remake and Colin Davis's Philips recording on LP.
But in its new SACD version this one beats both.

I haven't heard the latest SACD release of this masterpiece from Telarc but I doubt that a provincial orchestra can compete with an ensemble like the Boston Symphony under maestro Munch.

Both DGG's Levine and Telarc's earlier RBCD recordings sound like RBCDs generally do in comparison with good LPs or SACDs,like syntheziser versions!Good music robbed of its emotional and tonal and timbral glory.

If you want to hear Berlioz's fantastic music in almost all its splendour this simply miked analogue transfer is an absolute must!

Was this review helpful to you?  yes | no

Review by Luukas June 19, 2014 (2 of 5 found this review helpful)
Performance:   Sonics:    
At last, the stunning old classic of Berlioz's Requiem in multi-channel SACD! This recording is made in 1959, but sound quality is excellent. I heard many recordings of Berlioz's thrilling masterwork, and this is one of my top five recommendations.
Charles Munch was one of the first conductors, which I heard on disc: I heard his recording of Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique with Paris Symphony Orchestra many years ago. This is quite similar. Munch understands this score's massive forces, and he can bring some new exciting moments to this work.
First movement, Kyrie eleison, is performed beautifully. Deep basses crying in movement's end is very stunning experience. Second movement, Dies irae, begins peacefully until it grows to its great climax, when off-stage bands plays their revelatory fanfares. Unfortunately I cannot hear nothing from surround speaker because there are only stereo and three-channel multi-channel sound. It is shame, because the whole performance is very good. If you want 5.1 multi-channel recording of this work, I recommend Sir Colin Davis' recording with London Symphony Orchestra and Barry Banks (LSO Live).
The short third movement is lonely in its silently. English Horn's quiet solo is engineers clearly. Fourth movement, Rex tremendae is warmly, and beautiful fifth movement gets me in tears. By the way, excellently remastered recording, and highly recommend of all Berlioz fans! The only minor thing is three-channel recording, why they cannot engineers this in five-channel surround sound? Now music doesn't surrounds the listener.

Was this review helpful to you?  yes | no