Immerse yourself in the rich, dramatic world of Hector Berlioz with this captivating collection of his choral works. Released on October 4, 2003, under Warner Classics, this album spans over two hours and offers a profound exploration of Berlioz's orchestral and choral compositions. Berlioz, a pioneering figure in the world of classical music, is known for his innovative and expressive works, and this album is no exception.
The album features a diverse range of pieces, from the hauntingly beautiful "Sara la baigneuse" to the powerful and patriotic "La Révolution grecque." Each track showcases Berlioz's unique ability to blend orchestral and choral elements, creating a sound that is both grand and intimate. The performances are brought to life by the Toulouse Capitole Orchestra and various vocal ensembles, with notable contributions from tenor Rolando Villazon and baritone Laurent Naouri.
Highlights include the dramatic "Le cinq mai," a tribute to Lord Byron, and the intense "La Mort d'Orphée," which tells the tragic tale of Orpheus's death. The album also includes several shorter pieces, such as the lively "Chanson à boire" and the solemn "Veni Creator Spiritus," demonstrating Berlioz's versatility as a composer.
This collection is a testament to Berlioz's enduring influence and his ability to evoke a wide range of emotions through his music. Whether you're a longtime fan of classical music or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, this album offers a compelling introduction to the works of one of history's most innovative composers.
Berlioz: Sara la baigneuse, Op. 11, H 69Hector Berlioz, Michel Plasson, Orchestre National Du Capitole De Toulouse
Berlioz: Tristia, Op. 18, H 119: I. Méditation religieuse, H 56bHector Berlioz, Michel Plasson, Orchestre National Du Capitole De Toulouse
Berlioz: Tristia, Op. 18, H 119: II. La mort d'Ophélie, H 92aHector Berlioz, Michel Plasson, Orchestre National Du Capitole De Toulouse
Berlioz: Tristia, Op. 18, H 119: III. Marche funèbre pour la dernière scène d'Hamlet, H 103Hector Berlioz, Michel Plasson, Orchestre National Du Capitole De Toulouse
Berlioz: Le Ballet des ombres, Op. 2, H 37 "Ronde nocturne"Hector Berlioz, David Bismuth
Berlioz: Irlande, Op. 2, H 38: VI bis. Chant sacré, H 44bHector Berlioz, Rolando Villazón, Michel Plasson, Orchestre National Du Capitole De Toulouse
Berlioz: Veni Creator Spiritus, H 141Hector Berlioz, Choeur Les Elements
Berlioz: Tantum ergo sacramentum, H 142Hector Berlioz, Michel Plasson, Frank Villars, Les Éléments
Berlioz: La Révolution grecque, H. 21a: "Lève-toi, fils de Sparte !" (Héros grec)Hector Berlioz, Michel Plasson, Laurent Naouri, Orchestre Du Capitole De Toulouse
Berlioz: La Révolution grecque, H. 21a: "Mais la voix du Dieu des armées" (Chorus, Héros grec, Prêtre grec)Hector Berlioz, Michel Plasson, Laurent Naouri, Nicolas Rivenq, Orchestre Du Capitole De Toulouse
Berlioz: La Révolution grecque, H. 21a: "Astre terrible et saint, guide les pas du brave" (Chorus)Hector Berlioz, Michel Plasson, Orchestre Du Capitole De Toulouse
Berlioz: La Révolution grecque, H. 21a: "Des sommets de l'Olympe" (Héros grec, Prêtre grec, Chorus)Hector Berlioz, Michel Plasson, Laurent Naouri, Nicolas Rivenq, Orchestre Du Capitole De Toulouse
Berlioz: Le cinq mai, Op. 6, H 74Hector Berlioz, Michel Plasson, Laurent Naouri, Orchestre National Du Capitole De Toulouse
Berlioz: La Mort d'Orphée, H. 25: I. IntroductionHector Berlioz, Michel Plasson, Orchestre Du Capitole De Toulouse
Berlioz: La Mort d'Orphée, H. 25: II. "Prêtresses de Bacchus ... Ô seul bien qui me reste !" (Tenor)Hector Berlioz, Michel Plasson, Rolando Villazón, Orchestre Du Capitole De Toulouse
Berlioz: La Mort d'Orphée, H. 25: III. "Quels cris affreux se font entendre ?" (Tenor)Hector Berlioz, Michel Plasson, Rolando Villazón, Orchestre Du Capitole De Toulouse
Berlioz: La Mort d'Orphée, H. 25: IV. "Ô Dieu puissant, fils de Latone ... Ô Bacchus Evoé !" (Tenor, Chorus)Hector Berlioz, Michel Plasson, Rolando Villazón, Orchestre Du Capitole De Toulouse
Berlioz: La Mort d'Orphée, H. 25: V. Tableau musicalHector Berlioz, Michel Plasson, Orchestre Du Capitole De Toulouse
Berlioz: Irlande, Op. 2, H 38: III. Chant guerrier, H 41Hector Berlioz, Rolando Villazón, David Bismuth, Michel Plasson
Berlioz: Irlande, Op. 2, H 38: V. Chanson à boire, H 43Hector Berlioz, Rolando Villazón, David Bismuth, Michel Plasson
Berlioz: Feuillets d'album, Op. 9, H 121: III. Chant des chemins de fer, H 110Hector Berlioz, Michel Plasson, Les Éléments, Orchestre National Du Capitole De Toulouse
Berlioz: Irlande, Op. 2, H 38: VI. Chant sacré, H 44aHector Berlioz, Rolando Villazón, David Bismuth, Michel Plasson
Berlioz: Hymne pour la consécration du nouveau tabernacle, H 135Hector Berlioz, Choeur Les Elements, Michel Plasson