Here are three fine SACDs—but the most intriguing of all is the Smetana symphonic cycle Má Vlast, recorded more than three decades ago (Mobile Fidelity doesn't provide the date) by the crack engineering team of Joanna Nickrenz and Mark J. Aubort. This is the original four-channel recording remastered by Mobile Fidelity using the Gain 2 ("Greater Ambient Information Network") process explained in the jewel box notes. Walter Susskind directed the St. Louis Orchestra from 1968 through 1975. He was a much under-rated conductor, as evidenced by this dynamic performance of Smetana's powerful symphonic cycle which, with Susskind's brisk tempi, can be accommodated on a single disk. The surround sound is terrific, superior to what is heard on many modern surround recordings in conveying the sound of a large orchestra playing in a fine hall.

Mozart's Requiem is here presented in the unorthodox edition by Robert D. Levin which is a 1993 "re-completion" of the score based on the familiar Süssmayr version but with a smaller orchestra "so that the vocal parts could be heard better" with an "Amen" fugue to follow the Lacrimosa, taken from a sketch by Mozart that was not in the Süssmeyer version. The four soloists are excellent, particularly remarkable soprano Cristine Brewer, a major figure on today's vocal scene. Runnicles and the Atlanta forces are in top form in this performance. Telarc's sound which, as usual with the label, places performers in front, with minimal ambient sound from the rear.

Praga's SACD offers fine performances of the two cello sonatas of Brahms but even with the addition of the brief (5:20) Sonatensatz, a youthful work of the composer originally written for piano and violin, the total playing time of this premium-priced SACD (a list price of almost twice what other companies charge), makes it decidedly less attractive for the collector, in spite of the artistry of Michal Kanka and Ivan Klánsky. The multi-channel sound is rich and satisfying, with the two performers in front.

R.E.B. (September 2005)

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