Three Concert Overtures: In Nature's Realm, Op. 91
Three Concert Overtures: Carnival, Op. 92
Three Concert Overtures: Othello, Op. 93
Audiophiles will rejoice upon hearing this disc, but it's a recording any lover of Dvorák (or Liszt) can appreciate. The Philadelphia Orchestra, under the skillful baton of Wolfgang Sawallisch, performs Liszt's Les Pr... more »éludes to great effect, as well as Dvorák's three famous overtures. Recorded with an all-analog, all-tube recording setup (technology that hadn't been used on a major orchestra in 20 years), these are sonically balanced, memorable performances. In the liner notes, you can read all you want about the painstakingly intricate mic setup, but the fact is you'll feel like you're in attendance at the Academy of Music, albeit somewhere near the back. The well-mannered volume level isn't what we're used to in these days of bombast and deep low end, but the recording (and the playing) is first-rate and straightforward, with moderate tempi and an extremely natural sound. Proof positive that, with a little ingenuity, all those stateside orchestras dropped from major labels can still release excellent, world-class music. --Jason Verlinde« less
Audiophiles will rejoice upon hearing this disc, but it's a recording any lover of Dvorák (or Liszt) can appreciate. The Philadelphia Orchestra, under the skillful baton of Wolfgang Sawallisch, performs Liszt's Les Préludes to great effect, as well as Dvorák's three famous overtures. Recorded with an all-analog, all-tube recording setup (technology that hadn't been used on a major orchestra in 20 years), these are sonically balanced, memorable performances. In the liner notes, you can read all you want about the painstakingly intricate mic setup, but the fact is you'll feel like you're in attendance at the Academy of Music, albeit somewhere near the back. The well-mannered volume level isn't what we're used to in these days of bombast and deep low end, but the recording (and the playing) is first-rate and straightforward, with moderate tempi and an extremely natural sound. Proof positive that, with a little ingenuity, all those stateside orchestras dropped from major labels can still release excellent, world-class music. --Jason Verlinde
CD Reviews
Great sound - Good performance
contrarian | Atlanta, Georgia USA | 10/23/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I don't consider myself an audiophile, so the recording process is not something that usually interests me all that much. I was intrigued by the prospect of a new analog orchestral recording, though, so I purchased this disc, and I must say that the recorded sound is truly amazing, even if you don't have high-end stereo components on which to reproduce it. Having listened to run-of-the-mill digital recordings for so many years, it comes as somewhat of a shock to hear such warm realism coming from my speakers. As for the music, Sawallisch and the Philadelphians turn in a polished and vibrant (if not exactly earth-shattering) performance. This is fairly well-worn repertoire, and though the orchestra does inject some life into the proceedings, one wonders what the results would be if these musicians were recorded using this technology while performing music that they were actually excited about. Still, a highly-recommended disc for anyone who enjoys late-romantic orchestral fare."
This captures the live-performance sound accurately
contrarian | 09/23/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For ears conditioned for 15 years to a multi-miked, digital sound, this orchestral recording was, at first listen, underwhelming. But repeated listenings and comparisons with many, many other recordings (digital and analog) has convinced me that we finally have a new recording that accurately caputures an orchestra's sound in the context of its own hall. The liner notes describe at length the sonic characteristics of the hall, which account for the somewhat dry sound. But just as you would not prefer to hear a live performance from the coat room, this is no CD to play as background music. Turn it up to concert levels to fully appreciate the incredible clarity, "air", and nuance of the performance. No matter what your preference may be for the interpretation of these pieces, this is truly a listener's recording."
Amazing performance, Incredible sound!!!
contrarian | 08/08/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is by far the most realistic recording of a symphony orchestra that I have ever heard. The wonderfully rich, warm sound of this great orchestra has never been captured as well as on this disc. There really is a "you are there" sound to it. To me it sounds very "un-digital", which is the highest complement one can give to a CD! Just as on their EMI recordings, the performance is just what one would expect from Sawallisch and the Philadelphia Orchestra: polished, exciting, and without question the best!"
Exquisite natural sound
contrarian | 08/09/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Academy of Music has been the home of the Philadelphia Orchestra for many decades. The sound is somewhat dry, but clean. This recording captures the natural sound extremely well. If you close your eyes you'll feel that you are there. The performance is appropriately magnificent."
Only for the best music systems
M. Pacheco | 04/12/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This groundbreaking Blumlein recording will only sound its best in true high-end music systems. It can indeed sound dry or uninvolving in most of today's mid-fi rigs, and even in the colored systems that pass for audiophile in many circles. Aside from the attractiveness of Sawallish's honest and enticing performance, this DVD was made for high-end DVD players that can output in full 24/96 high resolution. It is necessary to follow the instructions and listen in the nearfield for full effect. It has some of the most accurate reproduction of an orchestra ever captured."
Track Listings (4) - Disc #1