Lorin Maazel’s Symphonie fantastique, one of Telarc’s earliest recordings, sounds spectacular in this new SACD release. The enhanced clarity of the original 50khz recording projects the Cleveland Orchestra’s super-virtuoso playing with even more impact. And the playing certainly is impressive under Maazel’s urgent direction, as he pushes the tempos in the faster movements. Of course, there’s somewhat less nuance–especially in the first movement–than you’ll find in Boulez’s marvelous performance with the same orchestra (recorded in similarly fine sound by DG, who seems to have taken a page from Telarc’s book). But Maazel really hits his stride in the March to the Scaffold and Witches Sabbath, both far more exciting than Dohnanyi’s paint-by-numbers version (again with Cleveland) on Decca.
Maazel’s swift tempos also enliven Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker suite, and the vividly atmospheric recording highlights the Clevelanders’ characterful and colorful woodwind playing. The classic Munch/Boston recording remains the standard if you’re having only one Fantastique, but this Telarc disc is great for those seeking sonic and orchestral thrills.
