Berlioz: Harold in Italy; Rêverie et Caprice

• Main performer: Yehudi Menuhin
• Booklet languages: English
• Time: 53:08

Review

Sandwiched between the two massive symphonic works Symphonie Fantastique and Romeo & Juliet comes Berlioz's concertante-like composition Harold in Italy for solo viola and orchestra. The work was famously commissioned by violin virtuoso Niccolò Paganini and then initially rejected because of its lack of bravura for the solo viola. The work definitely has some difficulties to overcome. Given Berlioz's penchant for gigantic orchestral parts and the viola's limited projection abilities, balance is clearly a constant issue. Fortunately, Colin Davis (deemed by some to be the foremost Berlioz conductor) and the Philharmonia Orchestra not only allow the viola to cut through quite clearly, but also provide an exciting and powerful counterpart during orchestral tuttis. Much like Paganini, Yehudi Menuhin is more recognized as a violinist than a violist. While his technique is flawless and his interpretation quite musically satisfying, his tone is sometimes nasal and nowhere near as enjoyable as his violin playing in the Op. 8 Reverie et Caprice. For an equally exhilarating orchestral performance of Harold with a warmer viola sound, listeners may wish to hear Davis conducting the London Symphony Orchestra with violist Tabea Zimmermann. ~ Mike D. Brownell, Rovi

Performances

Composer	Title	Time
Hector Berlioz	Harold en Italie (Harold in Italy), symphony for viola & orchestra, H. 68 (Op. 16)	44:24
Hector Berlioz	Rêverie et caprice for violin & orchestra ("romance"), H.88 (Op. 8)	8:44

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