Experience the dramatic intensity and musical brilliance of Hector Berlioz's "The Damnation of Faust" in this stunning live recording. This legendary work, a "dramatic legend" in four parts, is a profound exploration of Faust's existential journey, his pact with the devil, and his tragic descent into hell. Composed by the masterful Hector Berlioz, this piece is a testament to his unique vision and unparalleled musical genius.
Recorded live at the Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall on February 4, 2023, this performance captures the raw energy and precision of the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus, along with the London Youth Choir. The album features a stellar cast of soloists, including Christopher Purves and Jonathan Lemalu, who bring depth and passion to their roles. The performance is conducted by Edward Gardner, ensuring a faithful and powerful rendition of Berlioz's complex score.
"The Damnation of Faust" is not just a musical composition; it is a journey through the human condition, exploring themes of despair, redemption, and the supernatural. Berlioz's score is rich with diverse musical elements, from the hauntingly beautiful "Hungarian March" to the dramatic "Pandæmonium" scene. The work's libretto, co-written by Berlioz and Almire Gandonnière, is based on Gérard de Nerval's French translation of Goethe's Faust, adding layers of literary depth to the musical narrative.
This live recording, released on February 2, 2024, is a testament to the enduring power of Berlioz's music. With a duration of over two hours, it offers a comprehensive and immersive experience of this monumental work. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or new to Berlioz's music, this album is a captivating exploration of one of the most significant works in the classical repertoire.
2023 London Philharmonic Orchestra2023 London Philharmonic Orchestra
Tracks
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 1: 'Le vieil hiver' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, John Irvin
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scenes 2/3: Ronde de paysans 'Les bergers laissent … Mais d'un éclat guerrier' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, John Irvin, London Philharmonic Choir, London Symphony Chorus
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 3: Marche hongroise (Hungarian March) - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 4: 'Sans regrets j'ai quitté les riantes campagnes' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, John Irvin
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111: Chant de la Fête de Pâques 'Christ vient de ressusciter!' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, John Irvin, London Philharmonic Choir, London Symphony Chorus
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111: 'Hélas! doux chants du ciel' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Christopher Purves
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 5: 'Ô pure émotion!' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Christopher Purves, John Irvin
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 6: 'À boire encor!' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Christopher Purves, Jonathan Lemalu, London Philharmonic Choir, London Symphony Chorus
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111: Chanson de Brander 'Certain rat, dans une cuisine' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Christopher Purves, Jonathan Lemalu, London Philharmonic Choir, London Symphony Chorus
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111: Fugue. 'Amen' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Jonathan Lemalu, London Philharmonic Choir, London Symphony Chorus
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111: 'Vrai dieu! messieurs' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Christopher Purves, London Philharmonic Choir, London Symphony Chorus
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111: Chanson de Méphistophélès 'Une puce gentille' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Christopher Purves, London Philharmonic Choir, London Symphony Chorus
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111: 'Assez! fuyons ces lieux' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, John Irvin, Christopher Purves
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 7: Air de Méphistophélès 'Voici des roses' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Christopher Purves
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111: Choeur de gnomes et de sylphes - Songe de Faust 'Dors! heureux Faust' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Christopher Purves, John Irvin, London Philharmonic Choir, London Symphony Chorus
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111: Ballet des sylphes - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111: 'Margarita!' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Karen Cargill, John Irvin
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 8: Final 'Villes entourées' – Chanson d'étudiants. 'Jam nox stellata' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Choir, London Symphony Chorus
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 9: Prélude - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111: Air de Faust 'Merci, doux crépuscule' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, John Irvin
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 10: 'Je l'entends' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, John Irvin, Christopher Purves
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 11: 'Que l'air est étouffant!' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Karen Cargill
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111: Le roi de Thulé 'Autrefois un roi de Thulé' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Karen Cargill
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 12: Evocation 'Esprits des flammes inconstantes' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Christopher Purves
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111: Menuet des follets (Minuet of the Will-o'-the-Wisps) - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111: 'Maintenant, chantons à cette belle' - Sérénade de Méphistophélès 'Devant la maison' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Christopher Purves, London Philharmonic Choir, London Symphony Chorus
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 13: Final 'Grand Dieu! … Ange adoré' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Karen Cargill, John Irvin
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 14: 'Allons, il est trop tard! … Je connais donc enfin' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Karen Cargill, Christopher Purves, London Philharmonic Choir, London Symphony Chorus
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 15: Romance 'D'amour l'ardente flamme' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Karen Cargill
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111: 'Au son des trompettes' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Karen Cargill, London Philharmonic Choir, London Symphony Chorus
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 16: Invocation à la nature 'Nature immense' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, John Irvin
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 17: Récitatif et chasse. 'À la voûte azurée' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, John Irvin, Christopher Purves
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 18: La course à l'abîme 'Dans mon coeur retentit sa voix' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, John Irvin, Christopher Purves, London Philharmonic Choir, London Symphony Chorus
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 19: Pandæmonium. 'Has! Irimiru Karabrao! … Tradioun Marexil' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Christopher Purves, London Philharmonic Choir, London Symphony Chorus
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111: Epilogue 'Alors, l'enfer se tut' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Choir, London Symphony Chorus
The Damnation of Faust, Op. 24, H. 111, Scene 20: Dans le ciel 'Laus! Hosanna!' - Apothéose de Marguerite 'Remonte au ciel, âme naïve' - LiveHector Berlioz, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Youth Choirs, London Philharmonic Choir, London Symphony Chorus
Hector Berlioz, born in 1803 near Grenoble, France, was a pioneering figure in the Romantic era, known for his bold and innovative compositions that often defied convention. Despite his father's insistence on a medical career, Berlioz pursued his passion for music, becoming a composer and conductor of remarkable originality. His works, such as the dramatic "Symphonie fantastique" and the grand "Requiem," showcase his masterful orchestration and vivid storytelling. Berlioz's output spans various genres, including symphonies, operas like "Les Troyens," and choral pieces that push the boundaries of musical expression. His unique vision and unyielding creativity make him a standout figure in classical music history.
Vinylscout
Hector Berlioz
