I also had the Concertgebouw with Davis. Thinking about my late vinyl collection, I'm going to need a drink. Anyway, I can't now compare the two, but my enthusiasm for the '63 version stems as much from the quality of the CD as from the performance. One thing in particular I've noticed on this recording is that much of the tympani seems to be at a lower level, pianissimo, than what I can recall from the Concertgebouw version; maybe you guys can help me out here. It sounds spookier somehow and I really like the effect.Also, don't neglect the Symphonie Funebre, it's a great huge band, not an orchestra, really, and a lot of fun, at least for me as a failed trombonist.
Essential Classical
Category: Music
Finally found and just received Berlioz, Great Orchestral Works; Philips 442 290-2; 2 disc CD, featuring Symphonie Fantastique. I numbered it among my favorites during my analog days. Recorded in 1963 with Sir Colin Davis and the London Symphony Orchestra, it shows what a major label could do before the Dynagroove process corrupted everything.
I can't abide most "audiophile recordings" that feature the St. Louis Acquarium Orchestra, or the East Leipzig Chamber Ensemble and Oompah Band. It takes a great orchestra to realise the vision of the legendary composers. But here, you have the LSO, Sir Colin (we're on a first name basis) and wonderful sonics: rock solid image, deep, deep soundstage, wonderfully live sounding brass and double reeds. And bass drum, too. You can clearly differentiate between the trumpets and cornets in the second movement. This is a really good transfer to CD.
Bonus! You get Harold In Italy and Symphonie Funebre et Triomphale which was written for the unveiling of the Arch d'Triomphe with a thousand musicians and dancers. A BIG work.
Just like my ex-wife, at fine stores everywhere.
Finally found and just received Berlioz, Great Orchestral Works; Philips 442 290-2; 2 disc CD, featuring Symphonie Fantastique. I numbered it among my favorites during my analog days. Recorded in 1963 with Sir Colin Davis and the London Symphony Orchestra, it shows what a major label could do before the Dynagroove process corrupted everything.
I can't abide most "audiophile recordings" that feature the St. Louis Acquarium Orchestra, or the East Leipzig Chamber Ensemble and Oompah Band. It takes a great orchestra to realise the vision of the legendary composers. But here, you have the LSO, Sir Colin (we're on a first name basis) and wonderful sonics: rock solid image, deep, deep soundstage, wonderfully live sounding brass and double reeds. And bass drum, too. You can clearly differentiate between the trumpets and cornets in the second movement. This is a really good transfer to CD.
Bonus! You get Harold In Italy and Symphonie Funebre et Triomphale which was written for the unveiling of the Arch d'Triomphe with a thousand musicians and dancers. A BIG work.
Just like my ex-wife, at fine stores everywhere.