ANTILL:
Corroboree Ballet Suite. GINSTERA: Estancia/Panambi Suites.
VILLA-LOBOS: Little Train of Caipira
London Symphony Orch/Sir Eugene Goossens, cond.
VANGUARD VSD 512 TT: 54:16
(3 channel)
Ever since the first issue in 1959, these recordings have been used for
stereo demonstration, and for good reason. All were recorded in
three-channels and that's the way they are presented in this issue - three
front channels only, nothing else - although strangely my CD player
indicates there are five channels - perhaps so, but two of them are
silent. Regardless, this is spectacular listening! Just listen
to the zing in those unusual percussion instruments in the Antill ballet!
STRAVINSKY: Petrouchka. Firebird Ballet
(excerpts).
London Symphony Orch/Sir Charles Mackerras, cond. Robin McCabe, pianist
VANGUARD VSD 506 TT: 46:42
(5 channel)
Recorded in Watford Town Hall, England, in 1973, this is a rewarding performance
of the original 1911 version. Producers recorded the performance in 8-track
sound, with some instruments behind the conductor; this has effectively been
mixed down to 5 tracks. I don't mind the sound of being in the center of
the orchestra one bit. A debit is inclusion of a 12-minute piano version
of excerpts from Firebird, a decided letdown after orchestral fireworks
of Petrouchka. CD playing time, unfortunately, is rather limited. |
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