Melba Recordings

THE RICHARD BONYNGE EDITION
La somnambule: Ballet by Ferdinand Hérold
Orchestra Victoria

The world-premiere recording of one of Richard Bonynge’s most treasured ballet finds – the first in the line of the great 19th-century romantic ballets and offers the first chance in over 150 years to hear this delightful and significant score.

At his death, Hérold was hailed as the most important French composer of his day. Adolphe Adam wrote, 'Hérold had no rival. All those who write music for the dance will seek to do it as well as he. No one will be able to do it better.'

Richard Bonynge brings not only his love of the dance to this delectable music but his sensibility for the sinuous line of bel canto to Hérold’s masterful and sometimes humorous orchestral score.

“Not to be missed… brilliant work… recommended”  Opus High Definition (France)

“A fascinating buy... a pleasure to hear... Bonynge and his orchestra give it a loving and, when needed, fizzing performance, and the recording is clear and well balanced.” Gramophone (UK)

“How could such fine music as this have remained neglected until now with this premiére recording?… Orchestra Victoria responds intuitively to Bonynge’s direction and delicacy of touch… The SACD sound is excellent” MusicWeb International Recording of the Month (UK)

“Superlative playing… Without question this is a major addition to the ballet repertory on records” American Record Guide (US)

“A wonderful CD… rhythmic vitality to spare” Opera Nostalgia (Belgium)

“Beautifully recorded and mastered” Reference AudioVisual (Australia)

“Tremendous depth and presence… Listening with eyes shut is uncannily like being in a concert hall” The Age (Australia)

“The performance here has plenty of life… The sonics, whether in stereo or SACD surround sound, are very good… presentation is first class, with a beautiful and elegant accompanying booklet. A very welcome release that fans of the period will find irresistible. Sound/artistic quality: 9/10” ClassicsToday (USA)

“An impressive production” Audiophile Audition (US)

“A curiosity… one that confirms the care taken with recordings made by Melba” La Libre Belgique (Belgium)