Berlioz: Symphonie fantastique and Lélio

“The vivid, evocative and beautifully detailed performance [Muti] elicited from his platoons of performers — including narrator, soloists and full Chorus, in magnificent voice — drew a thunderous ovation from the packed auditorium.” — Chicago Tribune

“. . . to hear this pairing of works as Berlioz intended was fascinating.” — The New York Times

Recorded in 2010 during Riccardo Muti’s first subscription concerts as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’ 10th music director, this double CD pairs Hector Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique with its sequel, Lélio ou Le retour à la vie (Lelio, or The Return to Life). Berlioz intended Symphonie fantastique to be followed by Lelio in concert, as the artist, subject of the original work, returns to life to comment anew on music and art.

Maestro Muti and the CSO are joined in Lélio by acclaimed actor Gerard Depardieu as narrator, tenor Mario Zeffri, bass-baritone Kyle Ketelsen and the Chicago Symphony Chorus.

Contents:

Berlioz Symphonie fantastique, Op. 14
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Riccardo Muti conductor

Berlioz Lélio ou Le retour à la vie (Lelio, or The Return to Life)
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Riccardo Muti conductor
Gerard Depardieu narrator
Mario Zeffri tenor
Kyle Ketelsen bass-baritone
Chicago Symphony Chorus
Duain Wolfe director

Discs: 2
Recorded: 2010, Orchestra Hall, Chicago
Released: Sept. 18, 2015