Blind Comparison: Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique

madaboutmahler · October 27, 2012, 06:55:16 AM

This should be a pretty thrilling comparison!! And hopefully a good contrast inbetween Mahler 1 and Brian's Gaspard da nuit comparison in January.

Please post here if you wish to take part. We shall probably be starting in a week or two.

TheGSMoeller · October 27, 2012, 07:34:45 AM

This will be fun!!

Daniel and I are finalizing the details of the comparison. We are working on a fair and accurate structure that will hopefully offer the best final results.

And, Sarge, you may not have to listen to Champs until the final round.

I hope we get a good turnout.

Lisztianwagner · October 27, 2012, 07:36:19 AM

It sounds an amazing comparison, you can certainly count me in!

Sergeant Rock · October 27, 2012, 12:05:09 PM

Quote from: TheGSMoeller on October 27, 2012, 07:34:45 AM
And, Sarge, you may not have to listen to Champs until the final round.

In that case, I'm in

Sarge

mc ukrneal · October 27, 2012, 06:07:22 PM

I'm in! Although, personal events may mean I am not able to participate as I would like. Still, I should be fine for the first round.

Daverz · October 27, 2012, 06:10:34 PM

I'm in.

TheGSMoeller · October 27, 2012, 06:42:50 PM

I hope I'm not stepping on Daniel's toes here, but I would like to tell you the format that I suggested and I think he will use.

Round 1: Excerpts from Mvts. 1 and 5 - app. 12-13 mins for each recording
Round 2: Excerpts from Mvts. 2 and 4 - app. 6-7 mins for each recording
Final Round: Entire recording

First, the separation of the excerpts. Symphonie Fantastique creates an incredible arc, both in the music and in the story contained within. And much of the important dramatic development occurs during it's tremendous bookends, 1. Rêveries – Passions (Daydreams – Passions) and 5. Songe d'une nuit de sabbat (Dream of a Witches' Sabbath). I believe that by beginning the round with excerpts from the 1st and 2nd mvt. would eliminate the chance for the listener to hear this arc and performances or interpretations that build the intensity could be missed. I personally know of recordings that have a good opening Reveries, but build to a knock out of a finale. The middle movement 3. Scène aux champs (Scene in the Country) will only be heard in the final round, this is to decrease the amount of listeners falling asleep during this time. (Might be an inside joke, but I know some will appreciate it

)

Now to the timing of the rounds. The first round is obviously longer than the second, and for good reason. First off the opening and final movements are longer than the other two, thus allowing more of the recording to be presented. But there is a better reason, and it's main focus is the first movement. I suggested that almost half of Reveries be played in order to reach the idée fixe, the true star of this piece. I find it being an important section of the entire symphony, plus it's around this time that the orchestra begins to show it's muscle. It's about 8-9 mins in length to this part. And the final movement will reach until around the dies irae section, or even through the dies irae section, the bell is always an important factor.

I know the opening round may seem long, but I find it important to hit these major sections early and help in getting accurate votes.

Hopefully this helps in understanding some of the changes made. I'm really excited for this comparison.

xochitl · October 27, 2012, 07:09:23 PM

im in

johndoe21ro · October 27, 2012, 10:45:37 PM

I'm in too.

TimH · October 28, 2012, 03:13:46 AM

I'm in.

trung224 · October 28, 2012, 04:00:36 AM

I'm in too

madaboutmahler · October 28, 2012, 05:23:26 AM

Great to have you all on board!!

And, Greg, thank you very much for your great post. I am very grateful for the help and advice you are giving for this comparison, considering you are such an expert on the piece!

betterthanfine · October 28, 2012, 05:38:02 AM

As I enjoyed reading the Mahler 1 thread greatly, I'd love to give this one a go! Hopefully I'll have the time and the ability to form some intelligent thoughts about each recording so I can participate properly, heh.

Sergeant Rock · October 28, 2012, 06:39:22 AM

Quote from: TheGSMoeller on October 27, 2012, 06:42:50 PMThe middle movement 3. Scène aux champs (Scene in the Country) will only be heard in the final round, this is to decrease the amount of listeners falling asleep during this time. (Might be an inside joke, but I know some will appreciate it )

I'm getting sleepy just thinking about that movement.

Sarge

TheGSMoeller · October 28, 2012, 07:07:00 AM

Quote from: betterthanfine on October 28, 2012, 05:38:02 AM
As I enjoyed reading the Mahler 1 thread greatly, I'd love to give this one a go! Hopefully I'll have the time and the ability to form some intelligent thoughts about each recording so I can participate properly, heh.

Wait, where did you find intelligent thoughts on this forum?

But please participate, this will be a good one.

madaboutmahler · October 28, 2012, 07:14:59 AM

Quote from: betterthanfine on October 28, 2012, 05:38:02 AM
As I enjoyed reading the Mahler 1 thread greatly, I'd love to give this one a go! Hopefully I'll have the time and the ability to form some intelligent thoughts about each recording so I can participate properly, heh.

That's great! Welcome!

I'm sure we'll value your input very much!

Brian · October 28, 2012, 06:57:13 PM

Don't leave me out!

Daverz · October 28, 2012, 07:52:10 PM

Quote from: Brian on October 28, 2012, 06:57:13 PM
Don't leave me out!

Your tumbrel awaits.

aukhawk · October 29, 2012, 06:23:03 AM

Yes I'm in, please.

Though I do wonder what repeated exposure to the idée fixe, is going to do for my sanity, or anyone else's come to that!

TheGSMoeller · October 29, 2012, 07:37:29 AM

Quote from: aukhawk on October 29, 2012, 06:23:03 AM
Yes I'm in, please.

Though I do wonder what repeated exposure to the idée fixe, is going to do for my sanity, or anyone else's come to that!

Keep some opium handy, you'll be fine.