Saint-Saens: Symphony No3; Berlioz: Requiem Op5

On this CD:

1. Requiem (Grande Messe des morts), for tenor, chorus, & orchestra, H. 75 (Op. 5)
Composed by Hector Berlioz
Performed by Utah Symphony Orchestra with Charles Bressler
Conducted by Maurice de Abravanel

2. Symphony No. 3 ("Organ"), in C minor, Op. 78
Composed by Camille Saint-Saens
Performed by Baltimore Symphony Orchestra with Frederick Minger
Conducted by Sergiu Comissiona

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Maurice Abravanel has a keen sense of the huge scope of Berlioz's masterpiece, which he unfolds with little exaggeration. The choral forces are responsive to Abravanel's remarkably calm interpretation of the broadly lyrical portions of the score, but when the score suddenly explodes, the need for a bit more powerful choral sound can be felt. Bressler's tenor solos are sweetly sung, and the orchestra is attentive and strong. The original recording's pungent resonance has been retained in this digital remastering, which seems to have increased its depth of clarity. One of the better-recorded performances of the Saint-Saëns symphony is a welcome coupling. --Paul Turok

Saint-Saens: Symphony No3; Berlioz: Requiem Op5, Music, Hector Berlioz, Camille Saint-Saens, Maurice de Abravanel, Sergiu Comissiona, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Utah Symphony Orchestra, Frederick Minger, Charles Bressler, Choral, Classical, Orchestral & Symphonic, Requiem/Requiem Section, Romantic Symphony, Symphonic
Saint-Saens: Symphony No3; Berlioz: Requiem Op5
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Underrated Performance
 Saint-Saens: Symphony No3; Berlioz: Requiem Op5

Manufacturer: Vanguard Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by BerliozAll Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
RomanticRomantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
RequiemsRequiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
Baltimore Symphony OrchestraBaltimore Symphony Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
RequiemsRequiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000C3Q9
Release Date: 1998-09-15

Tracks:

  1. Reguiem, Op. 5 (Grande Messe des Morts): Requiem et Kyrie - Introitus
  2. Reguiem, Op. 5 (Grande Messe des Morts): Dies irae - Prosa, Tuba mirum
  3. Reguiem, Op. 5 (Grande Messe des Morts): Quid sum miser
  4. Reguiem, Op. 5 (Grande Messe des Morts): Rex tremendae
  5. Reguiem, Op. 5 (Grande Messe des Morts): Quaerans me
  6. Reguiem, Op. 5 (Grande Messe des Morts): Lacrymosa
  7. Reguiem, Op. 5 (Grande Messe des Morts): Offertorium
  8. Reguiem, Op. 5 (Grande Messe des Morts): Hostias

Tracks:

  1. Requiem, Op. 5 (Grande Messe des Morts): Sanctus
  2. Requiem, Op. 5 (Grande Messe des Morts): Agnus Dei
  3. Symphony No. 3, 'Organ,' In C Minor, Op. 78: Part I: Adagio; Allegro moderato - Frederick Minger - (Organ)
  4. Symphony No. 3, 'Organ,' In C Minor, Op. 78: Part I: Poco adagio - Frederick Minger - (Organ)
  5. Symphony No. 3, 'Organ,' In C Minor, Op. 78: Part II: Allegro moderato; Presto - Frederick Minger - (Organ)
  6. Sym No.3, 'Organ' in c, Op.78: Part 2: Maestoso: Allegro - Frederick Minger

Amazon.com

Maurice Abravanel has a keen sense of the huge scope of Berlioz's masterpiece, which he unfolds with little exaggeration. The choral forces are responsive to Abravanel's remarkably calm interpretation of the broadly lyrical portions of the score, but when the score suddenly explodes, the need for a bit more powerful choral sound can be felt. Bressler's tenor solos are sweetly sung, and the orchestra is attentive and strong. The original recording's pungent resonance has been retained in this digital remastering, which seems to have increased its depth of clarity. One of the better-recorded performances of the Saint-Saëns symphony is a welcome coupling. --Paul Turok

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Underrated Performance.......2003-12-18

I've been listening to this particular performance for over ten years now, in a worn-out Vanguard cassette, with the lasting impression of its deeply moving "Quid sum miser" and tremendously energetic (and rhythmically accurate) "Lacrymosa" never fading away; both outshining some of their most distinguished rivals.

This glorious work has always had its weaknesses, and I have no intention of dwelling in them. Other recordings may boast larger, star-studded forces, but few match the commitment and enthusiasm of these musicians under Abravanel's baton. Besides, the studio recording itself tried to replicate the effects Berlioz had so carefully prescribed for its performances in Cathedrals, with some exciting results.

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