Experience the dramatic intensity and musical brilliance of Hector Berlioz's "The Damnation of Faust" in this captivating live recording by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. This two-disc set captures the essence of Berlioz's legendary composition, a "dramatic legend" that brings to life the timeless tale of Faust through a rich tapestry of orchestral and vocal performances.
Recorded at the prestigious Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall on February 4, 2023, this album showcases the powerful conducting of Edward Gardner and features an impressive ensemble of soloists, including Karen Cargill as Marguerite, Christopher Purves, and Jonathan Lemalu. The London Symphony Chorus and London Youth Choir add depth and grandeur to the performance, making this a standout interpretation of Berlioz's masterpiece.
"The Damnation of Faust" is a monumental work, blending dramatic narrative with orchestral music to create a vivid and immersive experience. The album spans over two hours, offering a comprehensive journey through the scenes and arias that make up this iconic composition. From the hauntingly beautiful "Le vieil hiver" to the dramatic "Pandæmonium" and the uplifting "Apothéose de Marguerite," each track is a testament to Berlioz's genius and the orchestra's virtuosity.
This release is available in Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, providing an immersive listening experience that brings the concert hall directly into your home. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or new to Berlioz's work, this recording of "The Damnation of Faust" is a compelling addition to any music collection. The album is a testament to the enduring power of Berlioz's music and the skill of the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
2023 London Philharmonic Orchestra2023 London Philharmonic Orchestra
Tracks
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 1: 'Le vieil hiver' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, John Irvin
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scenes 2/3: Ronde de paysans 'Les bergers laissent … Mais d'un éclat guerrier' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, John Irvin, London Philharmonic Choir, London Symphony Chorus
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 3: Marche hongroise (Hungarian March) - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 4: 'Sans regrets j'ai quitté les riantes campagnes' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, John Irvin
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111: Chant de la Fête de Pâques 'Christ vient de ressusciter!' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, John Irvin, London Philharmonic Choir, London Symphony Chorus
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111: 'Hélas! doux chants du ciel' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Christopher Purves
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 5: 'Ô pure émotion!' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Christopher Purves, John Irvin
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 6: 'À boire encor!' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Christopher Purves, Jonathan Lemalu, London Philharmonic Choir, London Symphony Chorus
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111: Chanson de Brander 'Certain rat, dans une cuisine' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Christopher Purves, Jonathan Lemalu, London Philharmonic Choir, London Symphony Chorus
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111: Fugue. 'Amen' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Jonathan Lemalu, London Philharmonic Choir, London Symphony Chorus
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111: 'Vrai dieu! messieurs' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Christopher Purves, London Philharmonic Choir, London Symphony Chorus
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111: Chanson de Méphistophélès 'Une puce gentille' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Christopher Purves, London Philharmonic Choir, London Symphony Chorus
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111: 'Assez! fuyons ces lieux' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, John Irvin, Christopher Purves
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 7: Air de Méphistophélès 'Voici des roses' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Christopher Purves
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111: Choeur de gnomes et de sylphes - Songe de Faust 'Dors! heureux Faust' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Christopher Purves, John Irvin, London Philharmonic Choir, London Symphony Chorus
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111: Ballet des sylphes - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111: 'Margarita!' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Karen Cargill, John Irvin
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 8: Final 'Villes entourées' – Chanson d'étudiants. 'Jam nox stellata' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Choir, London Symphony Chorus
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 9: Prélude - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111: Air de Faust 'Merci, doux crépuscule' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, John Irvin
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 10: 'Je l'entends' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, John Irvin, Christopher Purves
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 11: 'Que l'air est étouffant!' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Karen Cargill
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111: Le roi de Thulé 'Autrefois un roi de Thulé' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Karen Cargill
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 12: Evocation 'Esprits des flammes inconstantes' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Christopher Purves
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111: Menuet des follets (Minuet of the Will-o'-the-Wisps) - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111: 'Maintenant, chantons à cette belle' - Sérénade de Méphistophélès 'Devant la maison' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Christopher Purves, London Philharmonic Choir, London Symphony Chorus
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 13: Final 'Grand Dieu! … Ange adoré' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Karen Cargill, John Irvin
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 14: 'Allons, il est trop tard! … Je connais donc enfin' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Karen Cargill, Christopher Purves, London Philharmonic Choir, London Symphony Chorus
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 15: Romance 'D'amour l'ardente flamme' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Karen Cargill
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111: 'Au son des trompettes' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Karen Cargill, London Philharmonic Choir, London Symphony Chorus
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 16: Invocation à la nature 'Nature immense' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, John Irvin
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 17: Récitatif et chasse. 'À la voûte azurée' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, John Irvin, Christopher Purves
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 18: La course à l'abîme 'Dans mon coeur retentit sa voix' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, John Irvin, Christopher Purves, London Philharmonic Choir, London Symphony Chorus
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 19: Pandæmonium. 'Has! Irimiru Karabrao! … Tradioun Marexil' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Christopher Purves, London Philharmonic Choir, London Symphony Chorus
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111: Epilogue 'Alors, l'enfer se tut' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Choir, London Symphony Chorus
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 20: Dans le ciel 'Laus! Hosanna!' - Apothéose de Marguerite 'Remonte au ciel, âme naïve' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Youth Choirs, London Philharmonic Choir, London Symphony Chorus
Hector Berlioz, born in 1803 near Grenoble, France, was a pioneering figure in the Romantic era, known for his bold and innovative compositions that often defied convention. Despite his father's insistence on a medical career, Berlioz pursued his passion for music, becoming a composer and conductor of remarkable originality. His works, such as the dramatic "Symphonie fantastique" and the grand "Requiem," showcase his masterful orchestration and vivid storytelling. Berlioz's output spans various genres, including symphonies, operas like "Les Troyens," and choral pieces that push the boundaries of musical expression. His unique vision and unyielding creativity make him a standout figure in classical music history.
Vinylscout
Hector Berlioz
