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United StatesFamous performance sounds too bright
This famous interpretation by Reiner and the CSO is at the top of everyone’s list of best performances. It is a magnificent recording of Bartok’s masterpiece, with “you-are-there” realism and tremendous dynamics. At one point it sounds as if fireworks are shooting across the stage. Unfortunately, this tape transfer by HDTT is way too bright and forward sounding compared with the original vinyl LP. Recent vinyl reissues cut directly from the master tape are warmer and have more bass impact with none of the brightness of this transfer. If you are not fortunate enough to own an original or one of these reissues, then you will enjoy this HDTT version very much.
United StatesLean, powerful, precise performance in great sound
Reiner's performance is lean, powerful and precise. It sounds magnificent. Recorded in October 1955 (per the Chicago Symphony Complete RCA Album Collection data sheets), this is one of the very early RCA stereo recordings by Lewis Layton. And, wow, Layton really shows off how to make a stereo recording here. This performance has long been once of my favorites and I'm so glad to find it here in such excellent sound. HDTT's transfer is as nicely done as ever.
United StatesMore great Living Stereo Reiner
These are fabulous performances, fabulously recorded. Whether these HDTT transfers are noticeably better than the SACD releases will probably depend as much on your equipment as on the transfers, but if this coupling suits, this is a very enjoyable release.
United StatesFive Stars are not enough
Though the BSO and Koussevitsky commissioned and premiered Bartok's final masterpiece, it was Reiner who put them up to it as a parting gift to his demoralized, financially strapped and terminally ill mentor and colleague. With his own incomparable CSO at its best, this performance was, is, and in all likelihood will forever be, the most perfect performance the Concerto can possibly have and one of the best recorded performances of anything, ever, in any genre. The recording, from the earliest days of Living Stereo, captures everything, and HDTT's transfer conveys everything, including relative SIZE of sections, so that 12 or 14 first violins sound that big even when playing ppp. And to round things out, a wonderful dessert from Richard Strauss, another Reiner mentor.
Description:
Title: Bartók Concerto for Orchestra, Sz. 116, BB 123
Richard Strauss Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme, Op. 60
Artist(s): Fritz Reiner conducts the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Recording Info: Bartók Recorded by RCA October 22, 1956, Orchestra Hall, Chicago
Strauss recorded by RCA recorded April 17-18, 1956, Orchestra Hall, Chicago
Engineer Lewis Layton. Producer Richard Mohr
Bartok transferred from an RCA 2-track tape ECS 9
Strauss transferred from a 15ips 2-track tape
Bartok Concerto For Orchestra
1 Introduzione: Andante Non Troppo; Allegro Vivace 9:56
2 Giuoco Delle Coppie; Allegretto Scherzando 5:59
3 Elegia: Andante, Non Troppo 7:55
4 Intermezzo Interotto; Allegretto 4:14
5 Finale: Pesante; Presto 9:00
R Strauss Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme
6 Overture 3:49
7 Minuet 1:27
8 The Fencing Master 1:45
9 Entrance And Dance Of The Tailors 4:41
10 Entrance Of Cléonte 4:54
11 Prelude To Act II 3:13
12 The Dinner 10:07
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