Berlioz: Symphonie fantastique (Live)

Chronique

This hybrid SACD of Hector Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique was recorded live in three concerts by Daniele Gatti and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in early 2016. Thanks to the careful selection of the best takes and RCO's superb engineering, this multichannel presentation of the symphony is a fine addition to the catalog, despite its rather conventional interpretation. Gatti's reading is in some ways reminiscent of the great 1974 recording by Colin Davis and the Concertgebouw, for both performances offer a full-sized orchestra playing modern instruments, and follow similar tempos, pacing, and points of emphasis. However, Davis' approach was exacting and unsentimental, while Gatti's is clearly more emotive and operatic in its abundant use of rubato and its theatricality in the last two movements. In light of the variety of interpretations that are readily available, from the standard 20th century approach represented by Davis and Gatti to the more historically informed post-millennial performances of Robin Ticciati or François-Xavier Roth, listeners can compare and choose recordings to suit their taste. Gatti's performance is aimed toward audiophiles, and the Concertgebouw sounds wonderful in its spacious and resonant hall, brilliantly reproduced through direct-stream digital processing. However, upon hearing this recording, experienced Berlioz fans might feel a bit of déjà vu and look for a fresher version.

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