Amazon.co.uk Review
The Cincinnati Symphony has always been respected as a solid, second-tier orchestra, but with this disc, as in other of its recent recordings, it seems like a world-class orchestra that can eat showpieces such as Berlioz's
Symphonie Fantastique for breakfast. The strings are luminous throughout, especially in the Love Scene from
Roméo et Juliette, where their golden glow makes Järvi's graceful interpretation something special. If his
Symphonie Fantastique doesn't oust such long-time favourites as the
Munch,
Paray and
Bernstein recordings, it still stands as one of the best recent versions and is blessed with outstanding sonics that give depth and transparency to the orchestration. It's not as fervid a reading as those listed above, but in its classicism and concern for long lines Järvi reminds one of
Colin Davis' excellent Philips versions of the score. Pleasurable instrumental details abound, and there's no lack of energy in the wild close to the Witches' Sabbath movement. This first recording of the Cincinnatians with their new music director is a fine achievement that promises much for the future. --
Dan Davis