John Nelson conducts a convincing Roméo et Juliette — album review

The success of John Nelson’s recording of Berlioz’s epic opera Les Troyens set Erato, part of Warner Classics, off on a far-reaching Berlioz journey. Most of the large-scale works have now been recorded, including the operas, leaving this latest release to couple the dramatic symphony Roméo et Juliette with the early solo cantata Cléopâtre.

Joyce DiDonato’s presence in both works is a major factor in the desirability of the new set. The cantata has been recorded in the past by both sopranos and mezzos, its in-between vocal range being where DiDonato’s high mezzo lies. She has the authority for the Egyptian queen in the darker strength of her lower notes, but also a soprano-like radiance as Cleopatra approaches death — vibrant from first note to last.

In Roméo et Juliette the three vocal soloists are not a make-or-break factor, though DiDonato, tenor Cyrille Dubois and baritone Christopher Maltman are well cast for the solo parts that Berlioz included in his mostly symphonic version of Shakespeare’s tragedy.

Over the years many of the world’s top orchestras have recorded Roméo et Juliette and there is no escaping the competition. For all its accomplishment, the Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg is not quite on their level, but Nelson’s innate feeling for Berlioz’s individual style and striking combinations of instruments means this live performance is never less than convincing and, at best, there is much to admire. DiDonato’s presence may be thought to tip the balance in its favour.

★★★☆☆

‘Berlioz: Roméo et Juliette’ is released by Erato