Berlioz - Benvenuto Cellini Overture - John Barbirolli, NY Philc (1938, live) [Philidor; FLAC]

Hector Berlioz was one of those highly enervating personalities who saw himself as both the center of the universe, and the hero of his own life story. Those who disagreed with him on any point quickly became its villains; and as he was an accomplished writer, he had no problems with fictionalizing his and their activities. It definitely made him enemies, but that played into Berlioz's life story, as well. His music is full of nervous energy, and at its best, highly original in form and content. One of his operas that's been going the rounds of late, Benvenuto Cellini--another one of those great Berlioz-like heroes, so unappreciated by the dull dogs of his time--had no traction during his lifetime, save for this overture. It's been a concert favorite for a long time.



For years, John Barbirolli's stint as music director of the NY Philharmonic was characterized by a certain critical clique as a failure. In fact, receipts show he was a great success with the public, and surviving recordings, made live, reveal that he had a great connection with this often divisive orchestra. (His real issues were with a few diehard critics who were fans of his predecessor, Toscanini, and the Toscanini faction that wanted him back.) This reading has tremendous lyricism and great drive. Even the old sound can't keep that from coming through.


You can find all my classical uploads by searching on Philidor, or checking this thread:

http://kickasstorrents.ee/community/show/philidor-s-classical-stuff/?page=5#post15731251