Absolutely the BEST 6th, interpretation, performance & sonic
Theodore Chagaris | 3rd rock out | 09/06/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am prejudiced, Bruno Walter is my favorite. But this recording of the "Pastorale" is divinely other wordly. It reaches so deeply into the score to reveal the hidden beauty within while maintaining it's majestic flow. Walter, an emotive leader as it is, seems to have merged with Beethoven for this one. Either this SACD version or even the redbook version are IMHO the best recordings of the 6th ever made. Even if you don't agree that Walters reading is spot on perfect you will agree that the performance given by the CSO is nuanced and glorious. Considering it's recording date of 59-60 the sonic quality is excellent. As mentioned by others it does have the analogue tape hiss, but only at louder levels is it audible and even then so not a distraction."