Description

Berlioz: Roméo et Juliette, Op. 17 – A Classic RGA Victor SEA (2 Compact Disc Set)

Product Details

UPC: 0035626068127
Product Type: Compact Disc (Digital Audio, Mono)
Catalog Number: GD60681 / F: BM612 / UK: QK x2
Label: BMG CLASSICS – A Division of Bertelsmann Music Group
Format: Import CD set, featuring two discs
Recording Dates: Recorded in 1953 and 1955
Country of Manufacture/Distribution: Printed in Germany, Distributed in Europe by BMG Ariola Vertrieb, UK distribution by BMG Records

Overview

"Berlioz: Roméo et Juliette, Op. 17" is a stirring dramatic symphony with choruses that brings to life Hector Berlioz’s masterful interpretation of Shakespeare’s tragic romance as reimagined by Emile Deschamps. This historic recording, conducted by the legendary Charles Munch with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, features stellar vocal performances by Margaret Roggero (mezzo-soprano), Leslie Chabay (tenor), Yi Kwei Sze (bass), and Victoria de los Angeles (soprano). The set is enhanced by the choral contributions of the Harvard Glee Club and the Radcliffe Choral Society under the artistic leadership of G. Wallace Woodworth. Disc 1 presents the first two parts of this dramatic work in 57 minutes and 47 seconds, while Disc 2 completes the performance in 63 minutes and 42 seconds, including the evocative “Les Nuits d'été.”

French Translation – Overview (Aperçu)

« Berlioz : Roméo et Juliette, Op. 17 » est une symphonie dramatique saisissante pour orchestre, chœurs et solistes qui donne vie à l’interprétation magistrale du tragique roman shakespearien, réinventé par Émile Deschamps. Cet enregistrement historique, dirigé par le légendaire Charles Munch avec le Boston Symphony Orchestra, met en vedette des performances vocales exceptionnelles de Margaret Roggero (mezzo-soprano), Leslie Chabay (ténor), Yi Kwei Sze (basse) et Victoria de los Angeles (soprano). Le recueil bénéficie également des chœurs du Harvard Glee Club et de la Radcliffe Choral Society, sous la direction artistique de G. Wallace Woodworth. Le CD 1 présente les deux premières parties de cette œuvre dramatique en 57 minutes et 47 secondes, tandis que le CD 2 en complète la performance en 63 minutes et 42 secondes, incluant l’évocateur « Les Nuits d’été ».

Product Features

Disc 1 – Roméo et Juliette: Parts 1 & 2

Duration: 57 minutes 47 seconds
Content:
- Features the initial segments of Berlioz’s dramatic symphony, setting the stage for a powerful narrative of love and tragedy.
Performers:
- Vocal Solos: Margaret Roggero (mezzo-soprano), Leslie Chabay (tenor), Yi Kwei Sze (bass)
- Choral Support: Harvard Glee Club and Radcliffe Choral Society
- Orchestra: Boston Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Charles Munch

Disc 2 – Roméo et Juliette: Part 3 & Les Nuits d’été

Duration: 63 minutes 42 seconds
Content:
- Concludes the narrative of “Roméo et Juliette” with the final scenic part and the luminous “Les Nuits d’été.”
Artistic Highlights:
- Further emotional development through solo and choral interplay, capturing the full breadth of Berlioz’s orchestral and vocal composition.

Interesting Facts

Historic Significance:
This mono recording, issued in the early era of digital audio technology, captures performances from the early 1950s—a key period in the evolution of classical recording—with Charles Munch at the helm, renowned for his interpretations of Berlioz.
Artistic Collaboration:
The project unites exceptional soloists with prominent choral ensembles, reflecting an era when collaboration between acclaimed vocalists and orchestras set the standard for live performance recordings.
Technological Context:
Despite being issued in mono, this recording is celebrated for its clarity and emotional intensity, serving as a valuable artifact for enthusiasts of historical classical performances.

French Translation – Interesting Facts (Faits Intéressants)

Importance Historique :
Cet enregistrement en mono, réalisé à l’aube de l’ère du son numérique, capture des performances des années 1950 — une période charnière dans l’évolution des enregistrements classiques — avec Charles Munch, reconnu pour ses interprétations de Berlioz.
Collaboration Artistique :
Le projet réunit des solistes exceptionnels à d’éminents ensembles choraux, illustrant une époque où la collaboration entre chanteurs renommés et orchestres établissait le standard des enregistrements de performances live.
Contexte Technologique :
Bien qu’édité en mono, cet enregistrement est apprécié pour sa clarté et son intensité émotionnelle, constituant un témoignage précieux pour les amateurs de performances classiques historiques.

Publishers

This exceptional recording is distributed by BMG CLASSICS – a Division of Bertelsmann Music Group, with manufacturing and printing handled in Germany. The product proudly carries the legacy of historical musical performance and is marketed as an import product.

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