Robin Ticciati - Scottish Chamber Orchestra - Berlioz: Les nuits d'ete - American Record Guide

Rather than requiring a work to be performed in its entirety or not at all, Berlioz began performing individual movements from his large works. Audiences reap the benefits of creative programming and gain the luxury of hearing works that perhaps they would not. But this poses problems also: extracting movements loses the flow, effect, and context they were intended to have; even the color changes from movement to movement are lost. Enter creative programming - through thoughtful placement of pieces and movements, artists still have the ability to tell a story or take listeners on a journey.

The inclusion of ‘Scene d'amour' from Romeo & Juliette is particularly effective here between Les nuits d'ete and La Mort de Cleopatre. Robin Ticciati offers wonderful musical support, and Karen Cargill delivers a meaningful interpretation-subtle but always compelling. The opening phrases of ‘Absence' are luscious-floating and captivating. Cargill's singing has richness and depth of sound yet sometimes a light and spinning sound. It is as if, in this movement, soloist and orchestra are one single being-breathing and moving absolutely together.

The exciting opening of La Mort de Cleopatre brings with it different color of sound for Ms Cargill that is very effective in representing the emotions of Cleopatra...The final track of the album is a penetrating and intimate portrayal of Cleopatre's suffering.