Stylish performance/Excellent remastering
Ronald F. Payne | Alexandria, VA United States | 04/07/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This pre-stereo studio recording has always been a favorite among my "Rosenkavalier" recordings. I had the original cd incarnation, and this remastering is a vast improvement. Be warned: the sound is not lush; it's little hard edged at times, but remarkable in improved clarity and detail. The VPO playing is joy. It's amazing how distinctly the individual instruments come through (those Decca engineers really knew their stuff). Although Reining is past her prime, she gives her Marshallin a lighter touch than most, which makes for an appealing antidote to the world weary aristocrat we often hear. All the other singers are in glorious voice. Kleiber paces expertly, and the balance of comedy and sentiment is perfectly caught. No libretto, no notes (just cast and track listings), but for this price, who could expect more."