add to wish list | library


41 of 42 recommend this,
would you recommend it?

yes | no

Support this site by purchasing from these vendors using the paid links below. As an Amazon Associate SA-CD.net earns from qualifying purchases.
 
amazon.ca
amazon.co.uk
amazon.com
amazon.de
 
amazon.fr
amazon.it
 
jpc

Reviews: Dvorak: Symphony No. 9 - Reiner

Reviews: 2

Review by Dr. O August 10, 2005 (5 of 7 found this review helpful)
Performance:   Sonics:  
A decent transfer of this much-loved recording! The quality of sound is okay, but not great. I am assuming this to be due to the quality of the original masters. Even though there IS clarity here, it is NOT that much better than the original stereo release - save for the Weinberger which comes off very well!

Even so - Reiner and the Chicago Symphony are quite spectacular in these performances, and I DO recommend it as a worthy addition to your SA collection!

Was this review helpful to you?  yes | no

Review by sheronemus February 24, 2007 (10 of 12 found this review helpful)
Performance:   Sonics:  
This performance exemplifies the magic that occurs when a perfect symbiosis is achieved between a music director and orchestra. Nothing sounds forced or contrived, and when Reiner takes some slightly unusual tempo liberties in the Largo the performers seem to innately understand his intent and everything flows and makes perfect sense. Reiner emphasizes the minor/major key changes in the Scherzo to brilliant effect, and the 4th movement dazzles with energy and virtuosity. The Carnival Overture, Smettena and Weinberger are lovely surprise ornaments to a must-have Symphony No. 9.

The multitrack transfer reflects the 3-mike original recording (left, center and right channels only) and does not add engineering to a splendid recording. This disc is like a time machine bringing the listener back to a main floor center seat a Orchestra Hall. The strings reveal their wooden resonance, and you can hear the buzz of string on frets during the bass pizzicato passages. That said, we are talking about 1950's recording technology and I have heard more detailed SACDs. Still, the difference between the CD and SACD multichannel layers is not subtle.

I've known and loved the Solti/CSO "New World" recording for years; it is now relegated to the re-gifting pile. If you are a Dvorak fan, buy this disc.

Was this review helpful to you?  yes | no