Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique / Mitropoulos
Label: Praga Catalog: PRD 350071 Format: Super Audio CDs Eleanor Steber (mezzo-soprano), New York Philharmonic Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Pierre MonteuxBerlioz: Symphonie Fantastique, Nuits d'été Praga's superb series of SACD remasterings of classic recordings continues with this all-Berlioz program. The gem here is the great mezzo-soprano Eleanor Steber's striking 1953 account of the Nuits d'ete. Partnered with Dimitri Mitropoulos leading the New York Philharmonic, it predates the legendary Columbia Symphony version the pair recorded together one year later. Interestingly, the opening Villanelle was not recorded here at Steber's request, as she felt it was not favorable to her vocal range. The pairing is Pierre Monteux's fiery 1958 recording of the Symphonie Fantastique with the Vienna Philharmonic. Price: $24.98 |