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Reviews: Grieg: Peer Gynt - Ruud

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Reviews: 1

Review by aoqd22 July 9, 2005 (7 of 7 found this review helpful)
Performance:   Sonics:  
This Peer Gynt comes on two discs so what is on offer is not simply extented highlights of the 'appropriate music' Grieg wrote for Ibsen's drama. What you hear is theatre rather than concert hall much I thought like a production for 'Drama on 3' which is broadcast on Sunday evenings by the BBC here in the UK.

If you haven't already guessed the key is dialogue. With this production you get more. Don't please let this put you off buying the Norwegian language lends itself to dramatic presentations and this latest Grieg offering from BIS comes together wonderfully.

As far as the recording is concerned my comments are based on listening to the cd track. The booklet indicates the recording was made like others in the BIS Grieg series in Grieg Hall in Bergen which to my ears means engineers having to cope with a slightly 'dry' venue. Every so often I got the impression the dialogue was a touch studio bound. These are minor quibbles not ones to deter anyone from purchasing.

The performances are all wonderful with lots of drama. The orchestra play where required with great sensitivity and swagger which suggested to me they were rather enjoying things. As to the singers well I cannot speak with much authority but to my ears some ravashing moments.

The production fits neatly onto two discs (no mid act side changes) and comes in a lovely sturdy box. Also in the box are two booklets the first of which contains just about everything you need to understand what you are listening to.

So to summarise much enjoyed, a valueable addition to the catalougue and well done BIS.

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