Berlioz: Symphonie fantastique, Muti/Philadelphia (2-CD)

Discs: 2
Record Label: Warner
Release Date: July 11, 2011

“Muti can suggest a sensibility driven to the edge of sanity by its nightmare,” wrote Gramophone of this intense interpretation of Berlioz’s visionary Symphonie fantastique. Judging it among the finest records of the work, Gramophone praised Riccardo Muti’s mastery at “holding the thread of argument together firmly, while never minimizing the incidental excitement.” Joining Muti and the Philadelphia Orchestra in Romeo and Juliet is soprano Jessye Norman, supreme in Berlioz’s vocal music.

Contents:

Berlioz Symphonie fantastique, Op. 14
Philadelphia Orchestra
November 1984, Memorial Hall, Philadelphia

Berlioz Romeo and Juliet, Dramatic Symphony, Op. 17
Jessye Norman soprano
John Aler tenor
Simon Estes bass
Philadelphia Orchestra
The Westminster Choir
Joseph Flummerfelt director
January 1986, Memorial Hall, Philadelphia