Berlioz: Roméo et Juliette – Sir Colin Davis / Wiener Philharmoniker (Newton Classics 8802046, 2CD Set)

• UPC: 8718247710461
• MPN (Manufacturer Part Number): 8802046
• Brand Name: Newton Classics
• Product Type: 2 Audio CD Set
• Genre: Classical / Romantic Orchestral & Choral
• Style: Symphonie Dramatique
• Recording Type: DDD Stereo
• Total Duration: 96′19″

Overview

This Newton Classics 2CD edition presents one of the supreme achievements of Hector Berlioz (1803–1869) — the Symphonie dramatique Roméo et Juliette, Op.17, inspired by Shakespeare’s immortal tragedy.

Conducted by Sir Colin Davis with the Wiener Philharmoniker, this recording stands as a cornerstone of the Berlioz discography — capturing the composer’s fusion of symphonic power, operatic passion, and poetic choral writing. With mezzo-soprano Olga Borodina, tenor Thomas Moser, and bass Alastair Miles, and the Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Davis brings the drama to life in its full romantic intensity.

Recorded in June 1993 at Vienna’s Großer Saal, Musikverein, this performance combines the grandeur of Berlioz’s orchestration with the elegance and transparency of Viennese sound — a definitive interpretation from one of the composer’s greatest champions.

Product Features

• Format: 2 Audio CDs
• Recording Type: DDD Stereo
• Recording Date: June 1993
• Recording Location: Großer Saal, Musikverein, Vienna
• Conductor: Sir Colin Davis
• Orchestra: Wiener Philharmoniker
• Chorus: Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks (Chorus Master: [Not credited, likely Marcus Creed or successor])

• Soloists:

  Producer: Ursula Singer
  • Olga Borodina – Mezzo-soprano
  • Thomas Moser – Tenor
  • Alastair Miles – Bass
• Balance Engineer: Volker Straus
• Label: Newton Classics BV (licensed from Universal International Music BV)
• Country of Manufacture: Netherlands
• Total Duration: 96′19″

Interesting Facts

• A “Dramatic Symphony”: Unlike a traditional opera or oratorio, Roméo et Juliette blends symphonic form with vocal narration — a genre entirely of Berlioz’s own invention.
• Shakespeare’s Influence: Berlioz first encountered Shakespeare’s plays in 1827, an experience that transformed his artistic life and led to some of his most inspired compositions.
• Davis and Berlioz: Sir Colin Davis devoted his career to Berlioz’s music, recording nearly the composer’s entire output; his performances remain the benchmark for style and emotional authenticity.
• Vienna’s Golden Sound: The Wiener Philharmoniker’s burnished tone and the Musikverein’s legendary acoustics lend warmth and clarity to Berlioz’s often complex orchestral textures.
• A Triumph of Expression: From the shimmering love scene to the thunderous funeral march and the final reconciliation chorus, Davis’s reading captures both grandeur and intimacy — the tragic and the transcendent intertwined.

Track Listing

CD 1 – 53′12″

Part I

1. Introduction – Combats-Tumulte – Intervention du prince – 4′39″
2. Prologue: D’anciennes haines endormies – 5′16″
3. Strophe 1: Premiers transports que nul n’oublie – 3′31″
4. Strophe 2: Heureux enfants aux cœurs de flamme – 3′36″
5. Récitatif et Scherzetto: Bientôt de Roméo – Mab! la messagère – Bientôt la mort est souveraine
6. Roméo seul – Tristesse – Bruits lointains de concert et de bal – 6′50″
7. Grande fête chez les Capulets – Ohé! Capulets! bonsoir, bonsoir! – 9′42″
8. Scène d’amour – Nuit sereine – Le jardin de Capulet – 15′58″

CD 2 – 43′07″

Part II & III

1. Scherzo: La reine Mab, ou la fée des songes – 7′48″
2. Convoi funèbre: Jetez des fleurs pour la vierge expirée – 9′35″
3. Roméo au tombeau des Capulets – Invocation – Réveil de Juliette – Mort des amants – 8′06″
4. Récitatif et Air du Père Laurence: Pauvres enfants que je pleure – 8′14″
5. Serment de réconciliation: Jurez donc par l’auguste symbole – 4′54″

Total Duration: 96′19″

Publishers

Originally recorded by Universal International Music BV (1993). Digitally remastered and reissued by Newton Classics BV (2011). Manufactured and printed in the Netherlands.

All rights of the producer and of the owner of the work reproduced reserved. Unauthorized copying, hiring, lending, public performance, and broadcasting prohibited.

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