Search - George Szell Eugene Ormandy :: Strauss: Ein Heldenleben; Don Juan; Til Eulenspiegel

A great budget recording

Ray Barnes | Surrey, British Columbia Canada | 03/30/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have not heard the CD but have enjoyed this cassette for a long time. My only minor reservation is that the sound is not quite as sumptuous as some of its more expensive competitors, but it remains very good. The body of tone produced by the Philadelphia Orchestra is heard to very convincing effect in Ein Heldenleben. The strings in particular play with fervour and passion, and this is a very involving performance. Earlier in his career as a concertmaster, Eugene Ormandy played the violin solos of this score I believe in 48 performances at the Hollywood Bowl. His commanding authority stems from long experience. His reading, from the very opening bars, is not as aggressive as Solti but still carries plenty of drama and excitement. This performance alongside that of Fritz Reiner with the Chicago Symphony remains my favourite of this work ever made in North America. The couplings are very generous and, typical of George Szell's work, are marked by very meticulous attention to detail and virtuoso playing from the Cleveland Orchestra. Again, the sound is not in the very top drawer, but is more than acceptable, and the performances are impeccable. Those who enjoy Szell's recordings of Wagner should not miss this disc. Overall, this is a very fine record for a modest price. Most strongly recommended."