BERLIOZ: HAROLD IN ITALY & THREE OVERTURES - COLIN DAVIS, LONDON SYMPHONY

Berlioz: Harold in Italy Op.16, & Overtures: Benvenuto Cellini; Beatrice et Benedict; Royal Hunt and Storm
London Symphony Orchestra
Colin Davis

“Yet again Sir Colin Davis demonstrates his supreme mastery as a Berlioz interpreter … especially fascinating is to compare this latest Harold en Italie with earlier versions – the biggest contrast is the extra tautness of Davis’s interpretation, with speeds consistently faster … the textures are sparer, sharper and lighter – bringing extra incisiveness all round. One other benefit is that the magnificent Tabea Zimmermann, is balanced as part of the orchestra. The beauty of her tone, with its nut-brown colours on the C-string, is never masked, but the balance allows pianissimi of a delicacy never achieved by the 1975 version. In the introduction there is a repeat marked ‘pianissimo possibile’ – just what you hear in magic tones.” (Gramophone)


Harold en Italie [40:14]

1. I. Harold Aux Montagnes 14:13


Scenes de melancolie, de bonheur et de joie


2. II. Marche des pélerins chantant la priere du soir 7:56


3. III. Sérénade d’un montagnard des abruzzes 6:29


4. IV. Orgie de brigands. Souvenirs des scenes 11:35
5. Overture: Benvenuto Cellini 10:08
6. Overture: Béatrice et Benedict 8:10
7. Les Troyens: Act IV-29 – Chasse Royale et Orage 9:10