Berlioz: L'enfance du Christ [Hybrid SACD]

{$Colin Davis}, currently the grand old man of {$Berlioz} conductors, has recorded the French romantic's {&L'Enfance du Christ} an amazing three times: first on {@L'oiseau-Lyre} LPs (not issued on CD), then on {@Philips} (frequently issued on LP and CD), and now on {@LSO Live} (issued on CD with super audio surround sound capabilities). While not perhaps the most emotional {$Berlioz} conducer in history, {$Davis}' more measured approach suits the more meditative {&L'Enfance}. All three of his recordings are quite fine, but the sound quality gets slightly better with each newer edition. Those equipped for SACD multichannel replay will find the {@LSO Live} SACD provides a significant plus in atmosphere, putting the listener into the hall with the orchestra, chorus, and soloists.
There are, however, other {&L'Enfance du Christs} as good or better than {$Davis}': {$Charles Münch}'s energetic and enjoyable recording on {@RCA} and {$Andre Cluytens}' elegant and opulent recording on {@EMI}. Since the latter has perhaps the finest set of soloists in {$Victoria de los Angeles}, {$Nicolai Gedda}, {$Ernest Blanc}, and {$Roger Soyer} and comes coupled with {$Giulini}'s outstanding {$Chicago Symphony} performance of the symphonic sections of {$Berlioz}'s {&Romeo and Juliet}, it may be many listeners' first choice. Plus, there is an interesting DVD of {$Münch} leading a live performance from the same time as his {@RCA} recording taped in good black and white with decent sound quality. For anyone who finds added value in straight concert videos, this one is well-worth seeing. In sum, then, {$Cluytens}', {$Münch}'s, and any or all of {$Davis}' {&L'Enfance du Christ} would make a great addition to any {$Berlioz} library. ~ James Leonard, All Music Guide