The first release on CD of these two wonderful performances. The Berlioz is scored for viola and orchestra while the Bloch is written for cello and orchestra and both works represent their heroes (one named, the other unnamed) in ever-changing landscapes. Needless to say, the performances are absolutely first-rate.
HECTOR BERLIOZ
Harold in Italy*
ERNEST BLOCH
Voice in the Wilderness**
Daniel Benyamini, viola*
János Starker, cello**
Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Zubin Mehta
‘I can’t imagine a finer interpretation than Starker’s … Mehta and the Israelis offer full and glowing support in this radiant score’ International Record Review
‘the inner movements flow beautifully, while the outer ones are fleet and exciting’ ClassicsToday.com
‘Mehta’s disc shows him at the height of his powers and belongs in any Berlioz lover’s collection’
International Record Review