Hector Berlioz (1803-1869) was a controversial French composer, dramatically splitting the opinions of critics. His most famous work is Symphonie Fantastique. Berlioz was one of the most influential of all 19th-century conductors.
Unlike Universal’s only fitfully excellent Ravel box, this Debussy Edition of the almost complete works has no weak spots. Puzzlingly, the Saxophone Rhapsody is missing, and so are L’Enfant prodigue (except for one aria) and La Damoiselle élue, among other items, but all of the other significant works are included, and in very fine performances.
In the 2015 / 2016 season, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra celebrates a proud 125-year history of bringing the best in classical music performances to audiences right across Scotland and beyond. Marking its recording relationship with the Orchestra, Chandos has compiled a two-disc set (at the price of one CD) of the finest of thirty years of recordings that have shaped the reputation of the Orchestra as well as the label. The RSNO has amassed a tremendous discography on Chandos over the years, including great recording series devoted to works by Dvorak, Elgar, and Prokofiev. Now on SACD, its releases continue to receive high praise.
The name Niccolò Paganini almost instantly conjures up an image of the quintessential virtuoso. The composition most commonly associated with his name is the set of 24 Caprices, which are undeniable demonstrations of sheer technique and prowess on the violin. However, the violin concertos are not so entirely dedicated to dazzling audiences with almost unbelievable feats of extended techniques.