Berlioz: Le damnation de faust

Immerse yourself in the dramatic and atmospheric world of Hector Berlioz's "La Damnation de Faust" as masterfully conducted by Igor Markevitch. This 1959 recording, released on Andromeda in 2015, offers a captivating journey through Berlioz's grand musical composition, a work that blends the supernatural, the dramatic, and the lyrical in a sweeping narrative of Faust's damnation.

With a duration of over two hours, this album is a testament to Markevitch's skill in orchestrating the complex and richly layered score. The Philharmonia Orchestra delivers a powerful and nuanced performance, bringing to life the vivid characters and scenes depicted in Berlioz's score. From the rousing "Hungarian March" to the haunting "Dance of the Sylphs," each track is a masterclass in orchestration and storytelling.

The album features a stellar cast of soloists, including Nicolai Gedda as Faust, whose expressive tenor voice captures the character's journey from despair to damnation. The chorus and children's chorus add depth and richness to the score, their voices weaving through the orchestral textures to create a sense of grandeur and drama.

This recording is not just a performance of Berlioz's "La Damnation de Faust," but a journey through the composer's musical landscape. Markevitch's interpretation brings out the full range of Berlioz's genius, from the dramatic intensity of the opening scenes to the lyrical beauty of the love duets. The album is a must-listen for fans of classical music, offering a rich and rewarding listening experience that showcases the best of Berlioz's compositional prowess and Markevitch's conducting skill.