William Steinberg never reached the superstar status of some of his contemporaries. He was, nonetheless, an insightful and pragmatic conductor. Trained under Klemperer, he had a prominent career in Europe. He had a close call with Nazis and was subsequently brought to this country by Toscanini. He was prominently featured with Boston, NY Phil. and others. During his 24-year tenure with Pittsburgh, an orchestra he dearly loved, he recorded this legendary Rachmaninoff 2nd.
What most people don't know about him is that he would conduct initial performances under tempo, increasing with each subsequent performance. This recording was made at the end of one of those cycles and is highly energized.
It's the famous 3rd movement which makes this recording so memorable. Ten seconds in, you'll think "Wow! I didn't know Pittsburgh could play like this" They could and they did. The sensitivity and musicality is what makes this greater than Ormandy's famous rendering. The last movement is on fire.
Technically, the recording is mid-range heavy and lacking in warm bass, which is unfortunate. It betrays engineer Bob Fine's legendary work. But listen through for a justly revered performance. That 3rd movement will really get you!
Budget 24/192 DVD Audio Stereo Disc (No Jewel Box only Disc)
