Thread: Holst -- The Planets Andre Previn and the London Symphony Orchestra

Posts: 9

Post by feinstei September 23, 2013 (1 of 9)
Hope there isn't a forum entry for this fine Japanese release already -- I don't see a way to search the forums...

I just received this older SACD release (EMI Music Japan TOGE-15035) from an Amazon Store dealer in Taiwan (service from him was excellent -- delivery within 1.5 weeks).

First of all, this release is an example of how an SACD (or any CD) should be packaged. With the booklet (in Japanese), was also included a 9"x9" reproduction of the original HMV LP release's back cover which included very helpful liner notes. Also, there was a fold-out of current SACD releases from EMI Japan. Seeing all this stuff included gave me the same feeling of excitement that I had when buying an LP in the '60's and 70's, reading the album's back cover and looking at the inner protective sleeve for "latest releases". For me, nothing was "lost" in the transition to a 5"x5" format.

This LP was made during the absolute worst period in classical music recording, ie: ridiculous use of 24 track, totally unrealistic stereo images, and overbearing overproduction. EMI's "two Chris's", Parker and Bishop are responsible for the multi-miking on this recording.

However, Mr. Gibson's remaster managed to bring out the wonderful playing of the London Symphony under Maestro Previn. The stereo image wasn't that horrible (although the french horns were panned hard left) and the remaster seemed to be a lot more "relaxed sounding" than the horrid original Angel Records LP release that I have of this performance. The solid state brittleness of the LP was almost non-existent, and there was no "digital nastiness" to the sound. In fact, if I hadn't prejudged the SACD by the period in which it was recorded, I would have thought that I was listening to a very well done vacuum tube recording.

In conclusion, this SACD is vastly superior to the original (U.S. Angel) LP release and, I congratulate and thank Mr. Gibson for bringing this recording back to life via SACD and for a fine, listenable remaster that deserves world-wide release on SACD.

Post by Ubertrout September 23, 2013 (2 of 9)
This should be started as a discussion here, no? Holst: The Planets - Previn

Post by sylvian September 24, 2013 (3 of 9)
Sadly stereo only.....I have this recording on Quadro DVD-A by EMI from 2001? and it stunning performance......highly recommended.

Post by hiredfox September 25, 2013 (4 of 9)
Certainly one of the best Planets on disc and this transfer adds to its majesty.

Post by rammiepie September 25, 2013 (5 of 9)
sylvian said:

Sadly stereo only.....I have this recording on Quadro DVD-A by EMI from 2001? and it stunning performance......highly recommended.

+1

Post by Tourboots September 26, 2013 (6 of 9)
I have a DTS surround sound version of this performance. I wonder why EMI chose not to add the surround layer to the SACD, as I assume the material was there to produce such a layer as the DTS version works quite well?

Post by Italian Stallion September 26, 2013 (7 of 9)
feinstei said:

This LP was made during the absolute worst period in classical music recording, ie: ridiculous use of 24 track, totally unrealistic stereo images, and overbearing overproduction. EMI's "two Chris's", Parker and Bishop are responsible for the multi-miking on this recording.

However, Mr. Gibson's remaster managed to bring out the wonderful playing of the London Symphony under Maestro Previn. The stereo image wasn't that horrible (although the french horns were panned hard left) and the remaster seemed to be a lot more "relaxed sounding" than the horrid original Angel Records LP release that I have of this performance. The solid state brittleness of the LP was almost non-existent, and there was no "digital nastiness" to the sound. In fact, if I hadn't prejudged the SACD by the period in which it was recorded, I would have thought that I was listening to a very well done vacuum tube recording.

In conclusion, this SACD is vastly superior to the original (U.S. Angel) LP release and, I congratulate and thank Mr. Gibson for bringing this recording back to life via SACD and for a fine, listenable remaster that deserves world-wide release on SACD.

LMFAO

Have you ever heard the LP before? I have never heard a SACD that is "better" than an original LP. Unless of course you prefer garbage EQ and that sweet DSD digital sheen.

Post by feinstei September 26, 2013 (8 of 9)
Have you ever heard the LP before? I have never heard a SACD that is "better" than an original LP. Unless of course you prefer garbage EQ and that sweet DSD digital sheen.


As I said in my review, I have had the Angel (U.S. issue bought in 1974), but have never heard the HMV U.K. issue. What you've said may be true of the U.K. issue, but certainly not the U.S. issue.

My question back to you is, have YOU ever heard any LP version of this before? Have you heard the SACD in question?

Post by hiredfox September 27, 2013 (9 of 9)
Italian Stallion said:

LMFAO

Have you ever heard the LP before? I have never heard a SACD that is "better" than an original LP. Unless of course you prefer garbage EQ and that sweet DSD digital sheen.

It's not DSD of course.

Closed