Berlin State Opera Orch/Daniel Barenboim, cond.
TELDEC 8573-83061-9 TT: 45:00
(5 channel)
This is another in the Barenboim Beethoven symphony series, an amiable view of the Pastorale, well played and richly recorded (without the overmiking heard in Symphony No. 5). This series is spread out over 5 DVDA disks when it easily could have been accommodated on four which would have made it a far more attractive to collectors. See more comments on the REVIEW of symphonies 4 and 5.
New Jersey Symphony Orch/Zdenek Macal, cond.
AIX RECORDS 80006 TT: 68:30
(5.1 channel)
Now here is something very special. This DVDA disk has information on both sides, one (the "red" side) contains a 5.1 channel "Audience Mix" at 96 kHz/24 bits using MLP, the other (the "blue" side) contains a 5.1 "Audience Mix" in Dolby digital, a 5.1 "Stage Mix" in DTS, a complete video presentation of the performances with angles, Dolby digital and DTS audio - plus comprehensive notes and setup information. Sound quality is exemplary, with super-wide dynamic range. The New Jersey orchestra isn't one of the world's top orchestras, but it plays very well indeed under Macal's leadership. On-screen instructions are well-written and easy to follow. This is a fine DVDA in every way with playing time more generous than most.