On their label MPHIL, the Munich Philharmonic is opening up its vast archives, giving listeners the opportunity to enjoy one of the richest collections of recordings by legendary artists. Because of the Celibidache era and its part in forming the core essence of the orchestra, the label MPHIL have placed a particular focus on archive recordings under the baton of Sergiu Celibidache. In spring of 2020, it is a recording with Sergiu Celibidache from 1989, which is being made available to audiences around the world: a recording of Hector Berlioz’ Symphonie fantastique.

Berlioz’ Symphonie fantastique is the successful synthesis of a drama and a symphony. It allowed instrumental music to emerge from the shadows cast by the French operas of the period. Drawing on the resources of a vast orchestra with its hitherto unprecedented musical forces and on a programme that dissects the protagonist’s emotional sufferings in altogether hysterical language, it gives musical expression to the tale of a desperate and unhappy love that left his contemporaries shuddering with raw emotion.

• 1. Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique Op.14 I. Reveries/Passions
• 2. Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique Op.14 Ii. Un Bal
• 3. Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique Op.14 Iii. Scene Aux Champs
• 4. Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique Op.14 Iv. Marche Au Supplice
• 5. Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique Op.14 Va. Songe D'une Nuit De
• 6. Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique Op.14 Vb. Dies Irae
• 7. Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique Op.14 Vc. Ronde Du Sabbat
• 8. Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique Op.14 Vd. Dies Ierae Et Ronde
• 9. Applaus