Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique

The BR-KLASSIK label is now taking the 75th anniversary of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra (BRSO) in 2024 as an opportunity to make previously unreleased recordings of concerts that are worth listening to available on CD and as a stream for the first time. Hector Berlioz's passionate "Symphonie fantastique", the almost revolutionary symphonic masterpiece by the great French composer, was performed by Colin Davis with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra at Munich’s Philharmonie im Gasteig on January 15 and 16, 1987.

This double album from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and conductor Riccardo Muti was recorded live in September 2010 at Orchestra Hall and produced by Grammy winner David Frost. The Berlioz programme includes the "Symphonie fantastique" and its rarely-recorded sequel, "Lélio", narrated here by French actor Gérard Depardieu, also featuring tenor Mario Zeffiri and bass baritone Kyle Ketelsen.

The choral versions of La mort dOphélie and Sara la baigneuse may be relative rarities on record but both are vintage Berlioz, short and striking, which should be much better known. Yet further incentive to acquire a terric account of the Symphonie fantastique.

On their label MPHIL, the Munich Philharmonic is opening up its vast archives, giving listeners the opportunity to enjoy one of the richest collections of recordings by legendary artists.

In his Symphonie fantastique, the young Berlioz bared his soul in music, torturing himself with passion — some might say obsession — for his beloved. Through tender love scenes, a thrilling march to the scaffold, and an opium-induced nightmare, Berlioz’s riveting masterpiece is unforgettable.

The multi-award winning Scottish Chamber Orchestra marks its debut recording under the direction of Principal Conductor Robin Ticciati with the majestic symphonie Fantastique by Hector Berlioz.

Born in London of Italian-French parents, Sir John Barbirolli (1899–1970) trained as a cellist and played in theatre and café orchestras before joining the Queen’s Hall Orchestra under Sir Henry Wood in 1916. His conducting career began with the formation of his own orchestra in 1924, and between 1926 and 1933 he was active as an opera conductor at Covent Garden and elsewhere.

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Hector Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique, Op. 14, brought to life by the legendary Philharmonia Orchestra and conducted by the maestro Otto Klemperer. This exceptional recording, released by Warner Classics, showcases the orchestra's exquisite precision and Klemperer's masterful interpretation. Berlioz's groundbreaking work takes listeners on a journey through the vivid imagination of an artist consumed by unrequited love, with its sweeping melodies, dramatic twists, and innovative orchestration. Prepare to be enthralled by the spellbinding performance of this timeless symphony, capturing the essence of Berlioz's musical genius.

The classical decoder! Clément Lebrun is a born pedagogue: in just a few words, this inspired all-rounder makes the greatest works of classical music accessible.. In this programme intended for all ears, he tells the story of Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique , movement by movement, with the enthusiastic participation of the Orchestre de Paris (conducted by Quentin Hindley), which we also hear perform the work in its entirety under the direction of its eminent former music director Paavo Järvi. Classical is Fantastic!

This is part of a Classic Records Deluxe 1S Edition Box Set of RCA Living Stereo "Shaded Dog" releases.