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United StatesReiner / Chicago Hit The Mark
This recording of Debussy's La Mer and Strauss' Don Juan ticks nearly all the boxes for me... well-played and recorded, with a great sense of feeling. Don Juan requires a lager than usual orchestra and presents some unusual recording challenges, which RCA met in sterling fashion. This is an exemplary recording, both in interpretation and sonics. My only quibble (and it is a very minor one) is a very slight lack of warmth in La Mer. The third section though, 'Dialogue of the Wind and the Waves', is the best I have ever heard.
GermanySonically convincing
A sonically beautiful edition of this masterpiece in this benchmark interpretation by Fritz Reiner with his Chicago Symphony. In comparison with my "old" BMG SACD I would like to call both editions equal although the comparison is difficult as different devices are involved.
United StatesMagical Strauss -- chilly Sea -- Amazing sound
According to his first flute, Donald Peck, this Don Juan consists of a single unedited take, except for a second or two to fix a horn note. Reiner at first refused to patch the take, insisting that "everything was wonderful" -- words that did not often escape him. He was right. This is perfection plus, and fittingly one of Reiner's final sessions with "his" CSO. Reiner's La Mer is also absolutely uncanny in revealing every magical touch of Debussy's orchestration as never before (or since) --- but, somehow the Mediterranean seems just a few degrees too cold and clear. Still, this near miss best virtually any other performance, except maybe Munch/Boston or Boulez/Cleveland. Needless to say, the sound is HDTT/Living Stereo at its best.
NetherlandsReiner and CSO rule
The best Don Juan I’ve ever heard! Sound is excellent throughout!
e.g Paris, FranceExquisite playing.
Exquisite playing and precise attention to detail in both pieces. The finale of La Mer has immense weight. Don Juan is playful and virile and features a lovely oboe solo, luxurious strings and first class horn playing. Silent background. Very good sound stage left to right and front to back.
Description:
Title: Debussy La Mer
Richard Strauss Don Juan Op. 20 (Tone Poem After Lenau)
Artist(s): Fritz Reiner - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Recording Info: Transferred from a 2-Track 15ips tape
Recorded by RCA 1961
Producer: Richard Mohr - Engineer: Lewis Layton
La Mer
1. De L'Aube À Midi Sur La Mer 10:16
2. Jeux Des Vagues 6:26
3. Dialogue Du Vent Et De La Mer 8:09
4. Don Juan, Op. 20 15:54
Total Time: 40:45
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