Captured with a minimal number of microphones (likely more than the mythical three, but likely less than nine), this 1956 orchestra recording has the frequency extension, bass impact, resolution of detail, and soundstage specificity we still often fail to achieve in modern recordings. Of course, that this is a recording of the great Chicago Symphony Orchestra at the height of its powers is no small thing.
Fritz Reiner and the CSO are on top of their game in the 1956 recording. Recording engineer Lewis Layton has captured the orchestra with a huge soundstage left-to-right, and gathers all the detail and leading-edge transient impact one might hope to hear. The opening of the first movement is beguiling, with low strings giving way to winds before full strings massing once again in a great swell. Then the monstrous Chicago brass tip in for just an instant, foreshadowing some of the fun to come.
Excellent Pure DSD256 transfer by HDTT.
DSD256 Direct Stream Digital Download (Pure DSD)
