L'enfance du Christ

"It features strong solo singing by an array of better than average English soloists with mezzo-soprano Jean Rigby as warm-toned Marie, baritone Gerald Finley as a big-hearted Joseph, and Alastair Miles as a dark-souled Hérode ... But with earlier performances of the work by Münch and Cluytens, plus Colin Davis twice in the studio and once live, that all go much further into Berlioz's delicately colored and subtly shaded account of the Christmas story, this account cannot be a first recommendation. But as an interesting third or fourth recording for dedicated Berlioz enthusiasts, it may be just the thing".

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"Her synges på fransk, og Berlioz' juleoratorium er så kødfuldt og blodrigt som nogen opera ... I orkestret hører man de romerske legionærers regelmæssige skridt, når de bevæbnet og i tung rustning går nattepatrulje. Englene, derimod, hvisker med barnerøst og beroligende orgelsvæv ... Den britiske bassanger Alastair Miles yder her et enestående stykke operaarbejde af den ægte tredimensionelle slags, og solister og korsangere lever sig ind i historien. Anmelderen tilstår, at han fik gåsehud flere gange undervejs".

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"Beuron, still probably France's finest lyric tenor, a compelling Recitant with open, ardent tones and warm delivery ... Miles is a splendidly anguished but restrained Herod and benign Ishmaelite, singing decent French ... Ticciati's conducting is warm and vivid, and his textures translucent".

"Philippe Herreweghe directs a predominantly French-speaking cast of singers in a tender, intimate interpretation of this strangely affecting "trilogie sacrée". This is a live performance from 1997, finely recorded and handsomely repackaged".

"All the soloists are excellent, and thoughtful casting among the four baritones and bass-baritones has allotted the Israelite father to Matthew Brook, who brings just that touch of extra warmth to the role. Chorus and orchestra add further lustre to this superb enterprise, in which Andrew Davis's love for the music shines through in every bar".

"Here's a live Enfance with a promising cast, SACD surround-sound, and Davis conducting - enough for most Berliozians. Yet having already recorded two excellent versions ... what more can Davis add? Not improvement, perhaps, but a different approach".