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Review by Ivymike November 19, 2005 (6 of 7 found this review helpful)
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Performance: Sonics: |
Another shaded dog that demands deep pockets in its original, vinyl format.
This piece was recorded on 23 and 24 January, 1955 in Symphony Hall, Boston by engineer Leslie Chase. I owned the original Living Stereo red book CD from the 1990's and never could quite figure out what all the fuss regarding the quality of the recording was about. I found the sound distant and odd, as though struggling to break through some unseen, unheard hi-fi barrier. The soundstage was big and billowy, pleasing in an immediate way but less so after even a short sitting. Dynamics were impressive; I remember being startled at one point.
Years later I read an article in a hi-fi magazine that suggested that the 1/4", 2-track 30 ips master tape had been transferred using the wrong playback equalization. Another source suggested that a 15 ips protection copy of the master tape had been used for the transfer and not the master itself. In any case the idea was forwarded that something was wrong with the transfer.
I purchased this SACD reluctantly. The sound is a world away from the orignal red book CD. The sound is much "freer", if I may coin word, and no longer seems strangled. Tape hiss is more audible on this release as well. Both of these would indicate that the suggestion that the incorrect playback EQ was used on the original release was probably correct. The soundstage is still big and wide but now seems less billowy. The usual early RCA hole-in-the-middle effect is noticeable. Bass and dynamic range are both solid. There is some congestion during choral peaks that would indicate some tape overload but this is a minor and transient point.
A very satisfying perfomance finally given a decent sonic treatment. Well worth the $12.
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Review by thepilot October 18, 2004 (5 of 6 found this review helpful)
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Performance: Sonics: |
| I have grown with this wonderful recording and I have all its different editions, in vinyl and CD. This SACD made my cry, it could have been recorded yesterday. It has tremendous dynamic range, astounding bass extension and treble air and clarity, and the soundstage dimensionality makes you think that this is a multichannel recording. Of course it was made in 1955, but hearing is believing, and you have to listen to this miraculous SACD. The transfer is a miracle of modern DSD A/D and the performance now sounds better than ever. All the other Daphnis' have to be judged by the standards this living stereo edition sets. I will cherish this disc for the rest of my life. Now I can give away the other recordings I have (about 15 different editions) and remain forever loyal to Munch's magic glow. This has to be rated 10 stars at least for sound quality and performance. WOW!
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Review by Monteverdi October 13, 2004 (4 of 4 found this review helpful)
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Performance: Sonics: |
| Recorded in stereo on January 23 & 24, 1955 in Symphony Hall, the great Charles Munch, leading the superb Boston Symphony and New England Conservatory and Alumni Choruses (Robert Shaw, director), gave us what continues to be the most completely realized performance the score may ever have. With the combination of poetry and passion, we continue to marvel at this 50-year-old recording (!), sounding fresh and immediate in its SACD debut presentation. It is a wonder on all levels. ©AE 2004
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