La somnambule

01/02/2007
Paul Turok
Turok's Choice (US)

This enterprising Australian label has released two well performed and brilliantly-recorded hybrid SACDs: Wagner’s Die Walküre (MR301091-94, four discs) and Hérold’s path-breaking 1827 ballet, La somnambule (MR301087) …

Richard Bonynge always had a gift for conducting ballet, and his performance of the Hérold, from the manuscript parts (it was never published) introduces listeners to one of the first through-composed ballet scores that culminated in the work of Delibes and Tchaikovsky. Splendidly orchestrated, the music is catchy, tuneful and prophetic in its usage of discrete structures. The Melbourne-based Orchestra Victoria plays brilliantly and is brilliantly recorded.