Search - Emmanuel Chabrier, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Enrique Granados :: España--Chabrier, Granados / Argenta, London Symphony Orchestra

Viva Espana y Argenta

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 05/28/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ataulfo Argenta, had he not died tragically of carbon monoxide poisoning at the age of 44 in 1958, would undoubtedly be known today as Spain's greatest conductor. Fortunately the powers that be at Decca realized that he was a massive talent in the making, and there are some outstanding stereo recordings to document this fact. This brilliant collection showcases Argenta conducting the London Symphony Orchestra in glowing 1957 stereo performances of Chabrier's "Espana," Rimsky-Korsakov's "Capriccio Espagnol," Granados' "Andaluza" and Moszkowski's "Spanish Dances, Book 1." The disc's final track, Debussy's "Images," also from '57, is with L'Orchestre de la Suisse Romande. Each of the performances is among the best I own, and they all have a certain swagger that brings me back to these versions for repeated listens while others sit idle on my CD shelves. Had only Argenta lived to a ripe old age...."

5star isn't enough

dinu | Global Villiage, Earth | 05/26/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A miracle!
A legend!
A gem!
I have had the Mercury Living version of Espana by Paul Paray.
I couldn't dream of better then because you know Mercury's recording is famous for its sound quality. But now ,this one is even better. It's the Best!!! Those Spanish works are rich in colors ,so the mono recording wouldn't work. This one is as good as if not better than the Reiner series of Living Stereo."