This 1963 Symphonie fantastique is actually the same as Bernstein’s Royal Edition performance (though in significantly finer sound), which claims to be his marginally tamer 1968 remake. In fact, this is the most drugged-out performance of the work that you will ever hear, and it’s accompanied by a delightful spoken essay (essentially word for word the same as appears in the “Young People’s Concerts”) that explores the highlights of the composer’s opium-induced vision. It’s easy to see why Bernstein, in a more reflective moment, might have found some of this performance’s rougher edges a bit alarming (Just listen to those tubas in the finale. Incredible!). On the other hand, in these days of authentic instruments, a little edge to the sound isn’t considered such a bad thing, and all of the squeaks, grunts, and thuds that Bernstein elicits from his players have ample justification in Berlioz’s revolutionary score. This truly is a great performance, one that goes straight to the top of the list alongside Charles Munch’s classic Boston version (RCA).
