A Romantic symphony on a grand scale, enveloped in magnificent sounds
Karajan and the Berlin Philharmonic meticulously recreate this magnificent symphony, incorporating the profound sound of the organ. The performance is captivating, with a rich expanse of sound and a sense of tension.
From the very beginning, a tense composition unfolds, highlighting Karajan's distinctively clear sense of balance. The Berlin Philharmonic's strings are lustrous, and the delicate dialogue between brass and woodwind instruments creates a three-dimensional musical experience. Pierre Cochereau's organ, resonating in the middle section, exudes an overwhelming presence, and the way waves of sound fill the space is truly majestic. The climax toward the end is both structured and passionate, beautifully harmonizing reason and emotion. The recording is extremely clear, with expansive reverberation that even reproduces the air of the hall. This is a monumental example of 20th-century classical recording, embodying Saint-Saëns's symphonic philosophy with perfect acoustic design.
