Weber - Brahms - Berlioz, Concert du 11/11/1954, Orchestre National, André Cluytens , I. Stern

Immerse yourself in a captivating concert experience with the Orchestre National de la RTF, led by the esteemed conductor André Cluytens, featuring the virtuoso violinist Isaac Stern. This historic performance, recorded on November 11, 1954, and released on August 3, 2016, by Ina, musique(s), showcases a remarkable blend of operatic and symphonic masterpieces.

The concert opens with Carl Maria von Weber's dramatic overture to "Euryanthe," setting the stage for a thrilling journey through the romantic and dramatic landscapes of 19th-century classical music. The centerpiece of the first half is Johannes Brahms' Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 77, performed with exquisite skill by Isaac Stern. The concerto's three movements—Allegro ma non troppo, Adagio, and Allegro giocoso, ma non troppo vivace—highlight Stern's technical prowess and the orchestra's rich, expressive sound.

The second half of the concert is devoted to Hector Berlioz's monumental "Symphonie Fantastique," Op. 14. This five-movement symphony, inspired by Berlioz's own tumultuous love life, takes the listener through a vivid and imaginative narrative. From the dreamy "Rêveries, passions" to the haunting "Songe d'une nuit au sabbat," the Orchestre National de la RTF delivers a powerful and evocative performance that brings Berlioz's revolutionary composition to life.

With a total duration of 1 hour and 38 minutes, this album is a treasure trove of classical music, offering a unique opportunity to experience the brilliance of the Orchestre National de la RTF, the artistry of Isaac Stern, and the visionary conducting of André Cluytens. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this concert is sure to captivate and inspire.