content: I bought this album in the SACD format. The SACD format really does expand the sound stage reducing the "listener fatigue", that I often develop in listening to conventional CDs, even on outstanding equipment. This performance is very crisp, moves lyrically, and is expansive when required. Berloz always presses the edge of tonality for his time with his unique tonal language. This recording captures that. The strings are very good and the brass, always an important statement in Berlioz, play with robust precision. Interpretively, Jarvi delivers more than a well paced performance. He has a wonderful understanding of this unique musical idiom. I recommend this recording as a wonderful musical and audiophile experience. The Cincinatti Orchestra is closing the gap with the so called "big 5" American orchestras, who do not often perform at this level.