Release Date: 16 May 2011
Label: Challenge Classics
Packaging Type: Brilliant Case (Jewel Case size, Holds 2 CDs)
No of Units: 2
Barcode: 608917251722
Genres: Classical  
Release Date: 16 May 2011
Label: Challenge Classics
Packaging Type: Brilliant Case (Jewel Case size, Holds 2 CDs)
No of Units: 2
Barcode: 608917251722
Genres: Classical  
Description
This memorable performance of Berlioz's masterpiece The Damnation of Faust was recorded in 1999, and is being released for the first time on CD to support the campaign against the Dutch government's plans to abolish the Muziek-centrum van de Omroep (MCO) and its orchestras - which include the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic. The conductor is the legendary Bernard Haitink, who began his career with the orchestra, and the soloists include Vinson Cole and Thomas Quastoff.
The Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra gave its first concert on 7 October 1945. Initially it spent most of its time in studios working on a large number of recordings for the public broadcasting system. Illustrious soloists such as Kathleen Ferrier, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Clara Haskil and Jean-Pierre Rampal have shared the stage with the orchestra. In 1956 Bernard Haitink became a guest conductor with the Concertgebouw Orchestra, and he was appointed the principal conductor of the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra in the following year. Since then, during an illustrious career, he has been chief conductor with, amongst others, the Concertgebouw orchestra, the London Philharmonic and more recently the Chicago Symphony orchestra. He has also had a long standing relationship with the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.
Hector Berlioz's "dramatic legend" was first performed at the Opéra-Comique in Paris on 6th December 1846. It is based on a poem by Goethe, and features four solo voices, full seven-part chorus, large children's chorus and orchestra.
Personnel: The Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, The Netherlands Radio Choir, Bernard Haitink (conductor), Charlotte Margiono (soprano), Vincon Cole (tenor), Thomas Quasthoff (baritone), Jaco Huijpen (bass)
Tracklisting
Narratio Quartet
Piano Duo Scholtes & Janssens
Matteo Cicchitti, Musica Elegentia
Cappella Pratensis, Stratton Bull, Sollazzo Ensemble
La Sfera Armoniosa, Oscar Verhaar, Mike Fentross
Simona Marchesi, Bartolomeo Dandolo Marchesi
Ben Kim, Concertgebouw Chamber Orchestra
Stavanger Symphony Orchestra, Jan Willem de Vriend
Robert M. Helmschrott
Robert M. Helmschrott
Kevin Juillerat (electronics), Cedric Pecia (prepared piano)
Kaya Han
Helene Breschand, Laurence Bancaud, David Joignaux, Wilhem Latchoumia, Christelle Sery, Fanny Vicens, Wang Ying-Chieh, Ensemble Cairn, L'arsenale
Gunter Schwarze
GrauSchumacher Piano Duo, SWR Experimentalstudio, Michael Acker
Georg Katzer, Matthias Bauer, Margarete Huber, Blaservereinigung Berlin, Bernd Casper, Gregorio Garcia Karman, Evelyn Saylor