Orchestre National De Lyon - Symphonie fantastique (2012) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

In a year that has already seen two extraordinary recordings of Hector Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique, Leonard Slatkin's 2012 release on Naxos faces serious competition indeed. One might think that Robin Ticciati's excellent near-period style rendition with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra or Jean-Philippe Tremblay's authentic instruments version with the Orchestre de la Francophonie would simply crowd out any other contenders, notwithstanding the myriad reissues that appear each year. Yet Slatkin's reading with the Orchestra National de Lyon is a respectable mainstream recording that hearkens back to the no-frills style of Colin Davis. Fans of Davis' 1974 recording with the Concertgebouw Orchestra will recognize a similar approach in Slatkin's presentation, which is particularly close in the tempos, pacing, and homogenizing of the orchestra, which plays modern instruments. Whereas Ticciati and Tremblay seek the raw and startling sonorities of an early 19th century orchestra, Slatkin makes no attempt to re-create the style of the period, but works within the modern tradition of playing this work. This is a solid performance that is as conventional as Davis' recording was, and just as secure in interpretation and execution. Whether or not this performance offers enough impact to compete with the more historically informed recordings, it is a reliable Symphonie fantastique that holds its own. Collectors might want to snap up this CD for the bonus track, an alternate version of "Un bal," which features the seldom-played cornet obbigato.

TRACKLIST

1. Orchestre National De Lyon - Le corsaire, Op. 21, H. 101b
2. Orchestre National De Lyon - I. Rêveries - Passions
3. Orchestre National De Lyon - II. Un bal
4. Orchestre National De Lyon - III. Scène aux champs
5. Orchestre National De Lyon - IV. Marche au supplice
6. Orchestre National De Lyon - Va. Songe d'une nuit de sabbat
7. Orchestre National De Lyon - Vb. Dies irae
8. Orchestre National De Lyon - Vc. Ronde du sabbat
9. Orchestre National De Lyon - Vd. Dies irae et ronde du sabbat
10. Orchestre National De Lyon - II. Un bal (Version with Cornet Obbligato)



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