Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique : Monteux, Paris Symphonie Orchestra
Posted by: mikeeschman on 07 December 2008
Monteux is a figure out of history. I first read of him when studying Stravinsky, for whom he premiered a number of works. In this 1930 recording, he leads the Paris Symphony Orchestra - an orchestra i have not heard before.
Rumor has it that Monteux's score is Berlioz' own rehearsal score. That is easy to believe.
On this forum, we have talked a number of times about the effect of recording quality on appreciation of the performance. We have also talked about the importance of being in tune and on time.
This recording is "thin", as you would expect in a 1930 recording. But it is also exceptionally clear, especially in the higher partials. The bass is quite rolled off, but the upper partials are clear as a bell.
The Paris Symphony Orchestra is exquisite, a beautiful intonation and a rhythmic sense of line possessed by few orchestras.
Because of this, it is easy for your mind to "fill in the blanks" in the recording.
As for interpretation, i enjoyed it tremendously every time i listened. interesting point : it is clear to me that Gardiner listened to Monteux in preparing his own Symphonie Fantastique.
Rumor has it that Monteux's score is Berlioz' own rehearsal score. That is easy to believe.
On this forum, we have talked a number of times about the effect of recording quality on appreciation of the performance. We have also talked about the importance of being in tune and on time.
This recording is "thin", as you would expect in a 1930 recording. But it is also exceptionally clear, especially in the higher partials. The bass is quite rolled off, but the upper partials are clear as a bell.
The Paris Symphony Orchestra is exquisite, a beautiful intonation and a rhythmic sense of line possessed by few orchestras.
Because of this, it is easy for your mind to "fill in the blanks" in the recording.
As for interpretation, i enjoyed it tremendously every time i listened. interesting point : it is clear to me that Gardiner listened to Monteux in preparing his own Symphonie Fantastique.