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Site review by Polly Nomial February 8, 2006
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Performance: Sonics (S/MC): / |
This has to be the most amazing sounding disc I have heard to date - the sounds that these percussionists conjure up (not forgetting the composers' part in the process) are quite simply astonishing! From what sounds to be the best use of a "swanny whistle" to other instruments I can't even begin to imagine as well as more "traditional" percussion instruments, these are combined in frequently breathtaking ways.
The compositions themselves are not "easy listening" by any stretch of the imagination (and the music does stretch it a lot) and many may find that all the compositions at once might be too much. Still, the last piece on the disc (Kryptogramma by Georges Aperghis) has many moments reminiscent of minimalism and as such, is probably the most accessible work presented. The virtuosity of the ensemble is displayed with remarkable accuracy by the 4.0 recording, with timpani rolls and other effects handed over as smoothly as could be wished for by both performers and recording team.
The sound is completely miraculous, completely surrounding the listener and absolutely no apology needs to be made for the age of the recordings (1972) and if a company could persuaded to issue other Philips recordings from stereo sources... It has to be said though, that the effects lose a lot of their impact if listened to in stereo only.
Absolutely stunning, if demanding and totally recommended - a true demonstration disc!
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Copyright © 2006 John Broggio and SA-CD.net
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Site review by Castor November 26, 2004
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Performance: Sonics (MC): |
This SACD contains some of the most amazing percussion sounds I have ever heard on disc.
One cannot believe that it was recorded as long ago as 1972, but this seems true for most of PentaTone's RQR issues.
It uses all four channels to great effect with the listener completely surrounded by the virtuoso players of Les Percussions de Strasbourg. The frequency and dynamic ranges are wide; from tinkling bells to deep drums and crashing tam-tams, all clearly positioned in space in the excellent acoustic of Eglise St. Paul in Strasbourg.
It is a must for anyone wishing to give their system a good work out or impress their friends.
The 'music'? Well, it is quite way-out, (the booklet notes mention in connection with Aperghis " a poly-aesthetically oriented appreciation of the world and the anti-conformist/experimental spirit of the 1960s" - you get the idea) but the sounds alone held my interest throughout the 80 minutes playing time. However, I certainly would not play all five pieces in one sitting.
I do not really feel qualified to rate the performances, but the reputation of Les Percussions de Strasbourg is such that it surely merits 5 stars.
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Copyright © 2004 Graham Williams and SA-CD.net
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Review by Iet November 11, 2005 (2 of 2 found this review helpful)
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Performance: Sonics (MC): |
Listening to this disk is a breathtaking experience, even when the kind of music is not your favorite. To me it shows that audiophiles of the last decades who were not quite convinced about the advancements of modern, digital (PCM) recording techniques somehow are right. What a sonic treasure Pentatone owns with its RQR collection!
Even when you love percussion, the music of "Les Percussions de Strasbourg" is not standard and quite experimental. Nevertheless the players are able to keep you attention from the first to the last note. Nothing is perfect, but for me the sonics and performance of this SACD are very close.
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