Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of classical music with the Berliner Philharmoniker's "Claudio Abbado: The Last Concert." This extraordinary album captures the essence of two iconic works: Felix Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and Hector Berlioz's "Symphonie Fantastique." Released on January 22, 2016, under the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra label, this collection offers a mesmerizing journey through the realms of orchestral and operatic brilliance.
The album opens with Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," featuring the Overture, Op. 21, and selections from Op. 61, including the lively Scherzo, the haunting "Song with Chorus," the serene Intermezzo, the romantic Notturno, the celebrated Wedding March, and the triumphant Finale. Each piece is a testament to Mendelssohn's mastery of orchestration and his ability to evoke the magical atmosphere of Shakespeare's play.
The second half of the album is dedicated to Berlioz's "Symphonie Fantastique," Op. 14, a groundbreaking work that revolutionized the symphonic form. The Berliner Philharmoniker delivers a powerful performance of all five movements, from the dreamy "Rêveries – Passions" to the whirlwind "Un bal (Valse)," the pastoral "Scène aux champs," the dramatic "Marche au supplice," and the chilling "Songe d'une nuit du Sabbat."
With a total duration of 1 hour and 35 minutes, this album is a treasure trove of classical masterpieces, showcasing the Berliner Philharmoniker's unparalleled skill and musicality. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.