Of all Berlioz’s Shakespeare-inspired works, Roméo et Juliette is unquestionably his masterpiece. It is also cast in an innovative new form, a kind of ‘super-symphony’ that incorporates elements of symphony, opera and oratorio. Berlioz composed no singing roles for the central characters, but allowed others to comment or narrate, giving latitude to incarnate the lovers in a musical language of extraordinary delicacy and passion. The vivid Ball Scene and Romeo at the Capulet tomb are intensely dramatic but the heart of the work is the Love Scene, a long symphonic poem which Richard Wagner called ‘the melody of the 19th century’.

This is the third release in Leonard Slatkin and Orchestre National de Lyon’s series of recording works by Hector Berlioz. 2019 also marks the 150th anniversary of the composer’s death.

Of the Symphonie fantastique recording (8572886/NBD0029), American Record Guide wrote: ‘Slatkin gives us a solid, balanced, well-paced Symphonie fantastique… Where some conductors see in the score a green light for all sorts of over-the-top shenanigans, Slatkin draws the listener’s attention to the beauty, nuance, and carefully wrought inner detail of the music.’ It was a MusicWeb International ‘Recording of the Month’ and nominated for a Grammy Award in 2012.

Their release of Harold en Italie (8573297/NBD0042) was an ‘Editor’s Choice’ by AllMusic.com: ‘Slatkin leads the orchestra with energy and humor, making sure that the picturesque aspects of the piece are vividly conveyed. This program is sure to please Berlioz aficionados…’