Berlioz: La damnation de Faust / von Stade, Riegel, van Dam, Solti
Berlioz's works are so typical of him, and yet so unlike each other, that it's almost impossible to select one as representing "the essential Berlioz." Nonetheless, if the choice has to be made, thenThe Damnation of Faustwould probably be the strongest contender. It has everything: fabulous orchestration, great tunes, tremendous special effects (try the scene in Pandemonium), and most of all--so typical--a great literary basis (Goethe), which Berlioz proceeds to alter with total impunity according to the dictates of his musical inspiration. More specifically, in Goethe's story, Faust gets saved in the end. "Never mind," Berlioz seems to ask. "What would you rather have? Faust redeemed or a really cool scene in Pandemonium?"  Solti's performance pushes all the right buttons: it's brilliantly played, urgently exciting, very well sung, and recorded with panache. Great fun.--David Hurwitz