Berlioz: Symphonie fantastique, Op. 14
Performed by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Robin Ticciati
The Symphonie Fantastique by Hector Berlioz continues to be one of the most popular early Romantic compositions with today’s music audiences.
The Scottish Chamber Orchestra marks its debut recording under the direction of Principal Conductor Robin Ticciati with the majestic Symphonie Fantastique by Berlioz.
Named one of the top ten young ‘conductors on the verge of greatness’ by Gramophone Magazine, Mr. Ticciati brings out the deep colors and emotions of this composition.
Robin Ticciati was named to the position of Principal Conductor with the SCO beginning with the 2009/10 season, and he opened the 2011/12 season with a blistering Berlioz program hailed by the critics as ‘compelling’.
Here are some press comments:
Sunday Times, 1st April 2012:
“This Fantastique is remarkable for its fresh insights…The opening Rêveries — Passions is especially dreamlike, impressionistic almost…while the nightmarish sounds of the Witches’ Sabbath emerge in the most vivid colours thanks to the clarity of the string sound and the squealing high woodwinds…Fantastique!”
The Guardian, 5th April 2012:
“Few previous recordings of the Symphonie Fantastique will have used such a modest string section, but the transparency and lightness of touch Ticciati achieves is a real bonus…The overture to the opera Beatrice and Benedict, full of wonderful string interplay and characterful woodwind, makes a charming fill-up.”
Here are the titles of the individual movements:
1. Symphonie Fantastique I Reveries – Passions
2. Symphonie Fantastique II Un Bal
3. Symphonie Fantastique III Scene aux Champs
4. Symphonie Fantastique IV Marche au Supplice
5. Symphonie Fantastique V Songe d’une Nuit du Sabbat
6. Overture Beatrice et Benedict
Here is the conductor, Robin Ticciati, talking about the Symphonie Fantastique
And here is something from the past: Leonard Bernstein conducting the “Orchestre National de France” in Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique,1st movement: part 1: Largo Paris, 1976
Tags: Berlioz, Symphonie Fantastique, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Robin Ticciati