BaL 15.10.11 - Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique

[Flosshilde]

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra last week performed the Fantastique (cond. by Ticciati) - did anyone here go to it? (Curalach maybe?). I wasn't able to, & I'd be interested to know how it compared with the RSNO's perfromance last season (which I thought too pumped up & noisy). (I know this should be on the 'Performance' board, but it is relevant here)

[Curalach]

Sorry Flossie, I don't have a season ticket for the SCO concerts, going only to those that particularly interest me. I'm not keen on augmented chamber orchestras but you can read Tam Pollard's review here http://www.wheresrunnicles.com/2011/...ason-with.html. He's never the most objective reviewer but this one seems more balanced than some of his Runnicles reviews.

[Flosshilde]

Thanks Curalach for the link. A concert I would have liked to have been at.

[Barbirollians]

A disappointing BAL - no analysis at all why the admittedly good LSO Live version was better than the previous holder of the palm .

I thought I would have a comparative listen to my five versions this evening(Barbirolli having gone missing ) - Davis Cb, Davis LSO, Immerseel, Beecham on CD and Abbado on LP .

Except I started listening to the Cbow/Davis and had to listen to the whole performance - It is simply marvellous .

[Caliban]

A disappointing BAL - no analysis at all why the admittedly good LSO Live version was better than the previous holder of the palm .

I thought I would have a comparative listen to my five versions this evening(Barbirolli having gone missing ) - Davis Cb, Davis LSO, Immerseel, Beecham on CD and Abbado on LP .

Except I started listening to the Cbow/Davis and had to listen to the whole performance - It is simply marvellous .

[Bryn]

I've had the old Philips LSO, Davis recording for decades but never quite got round to listening to his RCO recording. I have now ordered it (very cheap) and am wondering whether I should have splashed out on the Pentatone SACD option. Anyone here able to comment on the surround issue?

[Barbirollians]

The Abbado I have found on a cheap DG reissue in a series called Entree . I assume that was not issued in the Uk.

The step up from my crackly old vinyl is sensational and this really is a performance to challenge Davis. His slow movement in particular is intoxicating and the March is thrilling - the wind playing of the CSO is beyond praise . Highly recommended if you can find it .