The incidental music of Jean Sibelius is as captivating and engaging as any of his other compositions; anyone who doesn't believe that statement should listen to this rather exceptional recording offered on the Regis label. The album begins with a powerful performance of "Pélleas & Mélisande" by the Philharmonia Orchestra under the direction of Enrique Bátiz. The orchestra delivers the kind of technically masterful playing that is synonymous with its name, but Bátiz infuses it with far more than just technical proficiency. Even without familiarity with Maeterlinck's drama, the music heard here outlines a clear story. The English horn solo, which introduces the ...
The incidental music of Jean Sibelius is as captivating and engaging as any of his other compositions; anyone who doesn't believe that statement should listen to this rather exceptional recording offered on the Regis label. The album begins with a powerful performance of "Pélleas & Mélisande" by the Philharmonia Orchestra under the direction of Enrique Bátiz. The orchestra delivers the kind of technically masterful playing that is synonymous with its name, but Bátiz infuses it with far more than just technical proficiency. Even without familiarity with Maeterlinck's drama, the music heard here outlines a clear story. The English horn solo, which introduces the weakened character of Melisande, is as mysterious and sensual as the character. Also on the CD is the London Symphony Orchestra directed by Loris Tjeknavorian in performances of the "Karelia Suite" and the "King Christian II Suite." As in "Pélleas & Mélisande," neither the technical proficiency nor musical interpretation of these performances can be faulted. The string playing is incredibly rich and draws out all of the intense chromaticism and dissonance that fills Sibelius' music. The wind solos are poignant and mournful; the brass playing is piercing and triumphant without being brash. This album belongs on the shelf of any Sibelius fan.
Our reader reviews allow you to share your comments on titles you liked,
or didn't, with others. By submitting an online review, you are representing to
Barnes & Noble.com that all information contained in your review is original
and accurate in all respects, and that the submission of such content by you
and the posting of such content by Barnes & Noble.com does not and will not
violate the rights of any third party. Please follow the rules below to help
ensure that your review can be posted.
Reviews by Our Customers Under the Age of 13
We highly value and respect everyone's opinion concerning the titles we offer.
However, we cannot allow persons under the age of 13 to have accounts at BN.com or
to post customer reviews. Please see our Terms of Use for more details.
What to exclude from your review:
Please do not write about reviews, commentary, or information posted on the product page. If you see any errors in the
information on the product page, please send us an email.
Reviews should not contain any of the following:
- HTML tags, profanity, obscenities, vulgarities, or comments that defame anyone
- Time-sensitive information such as tour dates, signings, lectures, etc.
- Single-word reviews. Other people will read your review to discover why you liked or didn't like the title. Be descriptive.
- Comments focusing on the author or that may ruin the ending for others
- Phone numbers, addresses, URLs
- Pricing and availability information or alternative ordering information
- Advertisements or commercial solicitation
Reminder:
- By submitting a review, you grant to Barnes & Noble.com and its
sublicensees the royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable right and license to use the
review in accordance with the Barnes & Noble.com Terms of Use.
- Barnes & Noble.com reserves the right not to post any review -- particularly
those that do not follow the terms and conditions of these Rules. Barnes & Noble.com
also reserves the right to remove any review at any time without notice.
- See Terms of Use for other conditions and disclaimers.
Search for Products You'd Like to Recommend
Create a Pen Name
Welcome, penname
You have successfully created your Pen Name. Start enjoying the benefits of the BN.com Community today.
Editorial Reviews
All Music Guide - Mike D. Brownell
The incidental music of Jean Sibelius is as captivating and engaging as any of his other compositions; anyone who doesn't believe that statement should listen to this rather exceptional recording offered on the Regis label. The album begins with a powerful performance of "Pélleas & Mélisande" by the Philharmonia Orchestra under the direction of Enrique Bátiz. The orchestra delivers the kind of technically masterful playing that is synonymous with its name, but Bátiz infuses it with far more than just technical proficiency. Even without familiarity with Maeterlinck's drama, the music heard here outlines a clear story. The English horn solo, which introduces the ...