Daniel Barenboim and the Berlin Philharmonic shine in Franck and Faure – album review

Unlock editor digest for free

This recording with Daniel Barenboim and the Berlin Philharmonic was recorded live at the Berlin Philharmonic. This was June 2023, which is significant because Barenboim withdrew from combat in 2022 after being diagnosed with the neurological disease vasculitis.

This was one of his comeback concerts, which was soon followed by a tour with his own West-East Divan Orchestra. Apparently there was a long standing ovation at the end for the musician who had played a central role in Berlin’s musical life for more than three decades.

Symphony in D minor by César Franck is considered the most significant and famous work of the Belgian-French composer. Barenboim had recorded it before, but his performance has since slowed down considerably, adding a few minutes to Carlo Maria Giulini’s already lovingly leisurely score with the same orchestra.

On the other hand, his many years of experience with Wagner are evident in the spacious performance, complemented by the warm playing of the Berlin musicians. From this point of view, the music is of lyrical beauty, imbued with a pervasive darkly romantic undertone. The rhythmic energy that could ignite the symphonic thrust of the work is virtually absent.

The symphony is combined with a suite from Pelleas and Melisande Gabriel Fauré, whose centenary of death falls this year. All four movements are lovingly played, less playfully than some of the Philaise, but very delicately in the Siciliana and dignified in The Death of Mélisande. The excellent solo playing from the Berlin orchestra makes this an attractive addition.

★★★☆☆

“Franc: Symphony in D minor – Fauré: Pelléas et Mélisande” is released by DG.