Berlioz masterpiece isn't a great regular in my Blog, this is only its fifth appearance in over three years, however i played this work on the way to Church last Sunday [10th March 2013], and here's the work again on the way to Church this Sunday!, maybe the work will become a Sunday thing, but i must admit it was an enlightening thing playing this Symphony twice in a short space of time, it made me think deeper about it, and i would say of the two, this was the more enjoyable experience, maybe i was into it more, this is the very first disc i bought of this work, in those days i planned to only buy one disc of each work, but that's changed, i think i own five or six of these discs now, each gives a slightly different stance, and it's great to have a fresh perspective every time i listen to this work.
Eliahu Inbal is Israeli, he is now 77, and he made this recording in 1987, i believe the recording is live, the front cover artwork is not great, i much prefer photography, but it is actually well done.
I liked the two shorter movements, they are both really full of rhythm and visuality, one joyous fun, the other sinister 'fun', both have their place, and on this listening it was the gorgeous waltz of The Ball that i found irresistible, it starts off with an introduction which sounds mysterious and ominous [0:00-0:37], the use of a couple of harps add to the mystery, and when the waltz comes in [0:40+], you can feel being swept off the floor in a gliding dance, of course the waltz reminds me of Strauss, the way he can have you swaying is so infectious, there's a lovely denouement at [4:34-4:38], and afterwards the waltz seems to take on a greater franticness, the two winds [clarinet & oboe / the lovers] have their little dialogue, before a final sweep and close of the waltz.
Here's Leonard Bernstein conducting the second movement 'Un Bal' on YouTube.
Eliahu Inbal is Israeli, he is now 77, and he made this recording in 1987, i believe the recording is live, the front cover artwork is not great, i much prefer photography, but it is actually well done.
I liked the two shorter movements, they are both really full of rhythm and visuality, one joyous fun, the other sinister 'fun', both have their place, and on this listening it was the gorgeous waltz of The Ball that i found irresistible, it starts off with an introduction which sounds mysterious and ominous [0:00-0:37], the use of a couple of harps add to the mystery, and when the waltz comes in [0:40+], you can feel being swept off the floor in a gliding dance, of course the waltz reminds me of Strauss, the way he can have you swaying is so infectious, there's a lovely denouement at [4:34-4:38], and afterwards the waltz seems to take on a greater franticness, the two winds [clarinet & oboe / the lovers] have their little dialogue, before a final sweep and close of the waltz.
Here's Leonard Bernstein conducting the second movement 'Un Bal' on YouTube.
