add to wish list | library


26 of 26 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

Discussion: Berlioz: Harold in Italy, Overtures - Munch

Posts: 18
Page: 1 2 next

Post by tream July 4, 2007 (1 of 18)
I've only listened to the Harold thus far, but so far my reaction is that this is a must have disc. Invigorating performance, and terrific sound. The performance is more "whipped up" (as B.H. Haggin used to say) than a Colin Davis performance of Berlioz, and there are times when you wish Munch brought more rigor to the music as Davis does, but at the same time, he brings a sense of point to point inventiveness that makes you recognize Berlioz, and this work, for the true original that he/it is.

Post by Arthur July 4, 2007 (2 of 18)
tream said:

I've only listened to the Harold thus far, but so far my reaction is that this is a must have disc. Invigorating performance, and terrific sound. The performance is more "whipped up" (as B.H. Haggin used to say) than a Colin Davis performance of Berlioz, and there are times when you wish Munch brought more rigor to the music as Davis does, but at the same time, he brings a sense of point to point inventiveness that makes you recognize Berlioz, and this work, for the true original that he/it is.

Tream:
I was going to respond, but then realized my response looked more like a review, so I posted it there. Thanks for the prodding!
Bret

Post by tream July 5, 2007 (3 of 18)
Arthur said:

Tream:
I was going to respond, but then realized my response looked more like a review, so I posted it there. Thanks for the prodding!
Bret

Always glad to prod - I feel a little guilty about not reviewing this myself, but I still haven't listened to the overtures. In general, I agree with your 4 stars for performance, and think the sound rates 4 as well. I seem to like the Boston based Living Stereo's better than you do.

Why is this a must have at 4 stars?

1. It is the only recording of Harold, a major work of Berlioz, available on SACD.

2. It is an extremely convincing account, performed in a more romantic style than the Colin Davis school (which is the way I learned Berlioz).

3. It is relatively inexpensive and widely available.

Interestingly, Fanfare just gave the Munch Schubert 8/9 a rave review, calling it a disc "you must have".

Post by Johnno July 5, 2007 (4 of 18)
This is the performance of "Harold" that I got to know the work by and, consequently, it means something special to me. I love the drama that Munch brings to it, particularly in the "Orgy of the Brigands". I also have the Nobuko Imai/Colin Davis performance that I also like, if to a lesser degree.

I am certainly looking forward to the SACD of the Primrose/Munch but I probably won't be receiving it till the end of July. It seems that the release of the Reiner "Song of the Earth" is being delayed until around the middle of the month.

Post by sgb July 12, 2007 (5 of 18)
My copy just arrived, and I think the disk rates 5 stars rather than 4.

I recollect that my LP collection had one of the Davis performances that had been recorded, perhaps, as many as 30 years ago. I couldn't say whether that one was mentioned in this thread, but I recall preferring another featuring Janos Starker. This too is among the missing records. All things considered, I would rate this one the best SACD I've received in 2007.

Post by ramesh July 12, 2007 (6 of 18)
I have just bought this, and the overtures are no filler. There may be other 'Harolds' which are just as fine. [ I remember a live performance where Bashmet played the solo part with even more sumptuous tone than is present here ] I cannot remember hearing more incandescent performances of these overtures. Toscanini sounds overdriven and unidiomatic by comparison.

Post by Windsurfer July 12, 2007 (7 of 18)
sgb said:
I recall preferring another featuring Janos Starker.

Harold in Italy ???

Post by sgb July 14, 2007 (8 of 18)
Windsurfer said:

Harold in Italy ???

I could be mistaken, but IIRC it was an old mono recording I bought back in the sixties.

As for modern recordings, I was very partial to a Cleveland Orchestra release on Decca from the seventies, but I do not remember who was conducting (maybe Maazel) or had the role of soloist.

Post by snowman July 14, 2007 (9 of 18)
(deleted)

Post by aoqd22 July 14, 2007 (10 of 18)
sgb said:

As for modern recordings, I was very partial to a Cleveland Orchestra release on Decca from the seventies, but I do not remember who was conducting (maybe Maazel) or had the role of soloist.

Sgb think you are referring to DECCA SXL6873 which was reviewed in Gramophone in Sept 1978. The Cleveland Orchestra was conducted by Maazel and the soloist was Canadian born Robert Vernon who, unless I am much mistaken, joined the Cleveland Orchestra as principal viola in 1976. The recording was re-issued on a Decca 2-4-1 (425 053-2DM2) but suspect this is nla.

My current favourite version is Gardiner's 1994 recording on Philips the soloist being Gérard Caussé. My liking for this disc may I admit have something to do with the Tristia fill-up with its volley of musketry in the Marche funèbre!

Berlioz and Munch go well together I look forward to hearing the just issued LS remastered performances of 'Harold' and the overtures on SACD.

Page: 1 2 next

Closed