Colin Davis / London Symphony Orchestra Berlioz: Harold In Italy & Three Overtures: CD

Yet again Sir Colin Davis demonstrates his supreme mastery as a Berlioz interpreter... especially fascinating is to compare this latest Harold en Italie with earlier versions - the biggest contrast is the extra tautness of Davis's interpretation, with speeds consistently faster... The textures are sparer, sharper and lighter - bringing extra incisiveness all round. One other benefit is that the magnificent Tabea Zimmermann, is balanced as part of the orchestra. The beauty of her tone, with it's nut-brown colours on the C-string, is never masked, but the balance allows pianissimi of a delicacy never achieved by the 1975 version. In the introduction there is a repeat marked 'pianissimo possibile' - just what you hear in magic tones. (Gramophone)

1. I. Harold Aux Montagnes 2. Scenes de Melancolie, de Bonheur Et de Joie 3. II. Marche Des P?lerins Chantant la Priere Du Soir 4. III. S?r?nade D'un Montagnard Des Abruzzes 5. IV. Orgie de Brigands. Souvenirs Des Scenes 6. Overture: Benvenuto Cellini 7. Overture: B?atrice Et Benedict 8. Les Troyens: Act Iv-29 - Chasse Royale Et Orage