Notes and Editorial Reviews
Sir Colin Davis's splendid performance of L'enfance du Christ for L'Oiseau-Lyre in 1961, here reissued, was followed by the Philips set of 1977 but not, I think, in every way superseded by it. There are many things to commend the Philips set: chief among them are the superior recording, and especially Dame Janet's lovely performance of Mary. Her singing with Thomas Allen in the duets between Joseph and Mary gives the whole set an extra distinction. But Eric Tappy, for all his virtues, cannot efface memories of Sir Peter Pears; and though Jules Bastin is a splendid bass, excellently recorded on Philips, I have always particularly liked Joseph Rouleau's sensitive interpretation of Herod, burdened by the misere des rois, his crowned head
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uneasy (the analogy cannot have been lost on the Shakespearean Berlioz). Sir Colin Davis gives similar performances on each set: this is one of the major Berlioz works which he does with especial affection. For a straight recommendation, choice must really go to the more recent Philips; but I do not believe I am alone in retaining a particular warmth for the older set.
-- Gramophone [10/1983]
reviewing this recording on LP, Argo D248D2
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Works on This Recording
1.
L'enfance du Christ, Op. 25 by Hector Berlioz
Performer:
Elsie Morison (Mezzo Soprano),
John [baritone (50s)] Cameron (Baritone),
Joseph Rouleau (Bass),
Peter Pears (Tenor)
Conductor:
Sir Colin Davis
Orchestra/Ensemble:
St. Anthony Singers,
Goldsborough Orchestra
Period: Romantic
Written: 1850-1854; France
Date of Recording: 1960
Language: French
2.
Sara la baigneuse, Op. 11 by Hector Berlioz
Conductor:
Sir Colin Davis
Orchestra/Ensemble:
English Chamber Orchestra,
St. Anthony Singers
Period: Romantic
Written: 1834/1850; France
3.
La mort de Cléopâtre by Hector Berlioz
Performer:
Anne Pashley (Soprano)
Conductor:
Sir Colin Davis
Orchestra/Ensemble:
English Chamber Orchestra
Period: Romantic
Written: 1829; France
Date of Recording: 1967
Language: French
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