Berlioz
The Damnation of Faust
Karen Cargill, John Irvin, Christopher Purves et al; LPO/Edward Gardner
London Philharmonic Orchestra LPO-0128 127:58 mins
Berlioz’s légende dramatique tells an episodic version of Goethe’s Faust with many gaps and some surprise inclusions – the famous Hungarian March, for instance, appears more or less out of nowhere – but here and throughout, the alternate brilliance and beauty of Berlioz’s writing ensures that the listener is continuously captivated.
Recorded live at the Royal Festival Hall in February 2023, this performance by the London Philharmonic under its principal conductor offers consistently high orchestral standards and focused participation from the assembled choirs, who show skill in impersonating the many groups they are called upon to play, ranging from Christians celebrating
