Karen Cargill, John Irvin, Christopher Purves et al; LPO/Edward Gardner
London Philharmonic Orchestra LPO-0128 127:58 mins
Berlioz’s légende dramatique tells an episodic version of Goethe’s Faust with many gaps and some surprise inclusions – the famous Hungarian March, for instance, appears more or less out of nowhere – but here and throughout, the alternate brilliance and beauty of Berlioz’s writing ensures that the listener is continuously captivated.
Recorded live at the Royal Festival Hall in February 2023, this performance by the London Philharmonic under its principal conductor offers consistently high orchestral standards and focused participation from the assembled choirs, who show skill in impersonating the many groups they are called upon to play, ranging from Christians celebrating Easter to a Chorus of the Damned – though the initial Chorus of Peasants sound just a bit too well-bred.
None of the three soloists is a native Francophone but all provide solid contributions, especially Karen Cargill’s impassioned and rich-voiced characterisation of Marguerite – a further feather in the Scottish mezzo’s cap. American tenor John Irvin offers bright tone and easy production in the title role, though his rather too extrovert interpretation needs more nuance and dynamic variety, including at times more introspection.
Though he’s a relatively lightweight Mephistopheles, Christopher Purves is characterful, with a nice sense of irony, and makes a good deal of the text. Jonathan Lemalu is the vigorous Brander in the scene in Auerbach’s cellar.
Never less than spirited, Gardner brings a blend of energy and control to his task. The other famous orchestral sections – in addition to the march, there’s the Ballet des Sylphes and the Minuet of the Will-o’-the-Wisps – are done with delicacy, plus in the latter case a touch of the sinister.