Divertissement Archive

JEAN MARTINON Conducts Music by IBERT, SAINT-SAENS & BERLIOZ – Paris Conservatoire Orch. – HDTT

by Audiophile Audition | Mar 1, 2016 | SACD & Other Hi-Res Reviews

Celebrating Jean Martinon’s Decca legacy in fine transfers from commercial reel tapes. Jean Martinon Conducts Music by IBERT, SAINT-SAENS & BERLIOZ – Paris Conservatoire Orch. – HDTT [various formats including hi-res PCM & DSD from www.highdeftapetransfers.com] (This one is DSD 64) 53:34 *****: This splendid compilation of Decca recordings made with the Paris Conservatoire Orchestra under Jean Martinon has been an audiophile delight since first released 55 years or more ago. The Berlioz works were recorded 3-4 November1958 and first released on Decca SXL 2134, together with the Overture to Benvenuto Cellini, not included in this selection.  The Paris orchestra is on excellent from, with silky strings and an unmistakeably French flavour to the wind and horns.  Martinon produces a softer side to Berlioz, somewhat different from the vehement, bared-teeth readings of many conductors.  The result is a little more depth to the listening experience at the expense of a little superficial excitement.  Berlioz in three dimensions. The Ibert and Saint-Saens works were recorded 16-17 June 1960 and appeared on Decca SXL 2252 to much acclaim.  Ibert’s wonderfully varied and entertaining Divertissement, written in 1930 and derived from his incidental music written the previous year for the farce The Italian Straw […]