17 of 19 recommend this SA-CD
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Label:
   Living Stereo - http://www.sonybmgmasterworks.com/
Serial:
   82876663732 (2 discs)
Title:
   Berlioz: Requiem - Munch
Description:
   Berlioz: Requiem

Boston Symphony Orchestra
Charles Munch (conductor)
Details:
  
Genre:
   Classical - Vocal
Content:
   Stereo/Multichannel
Media:
   Hybrid
Recording type:
   Analogue
Recording info:
  
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Reviews: 1
Review by Chris April 13, 2005 (9 of 10 found this review helpful)
Performance:  Sonics:
Do I or anyone else with this work already in their collection really need this one too?
My answer is YES, YES, YES!!!
Not only is it offered at an irresistable, two for one, bargain price from many dealers.
This recording made in 1959 is also IMO in almost all respects better than any other recording I have heard of Berlioz's majestic Requiem.

Like every other Living Stereo release from Boston and Munch the playing and interpretation are
world class.The recording is also one of the most natural and lifelike recordings of a large orchestra and full choir that I have heard.
Its only limitation would be that a modern DSD recording would theoretically have a larger dynamic range. And with surround equipment you would hear the majestic fanfares from behind as Berlioz actually intended.


I have in my collection both Munch's DGG remake and Colin Davis's Philips recording on LP.
But in its new SACD version this one beats both.

I haven't heard the latest SACD release of this masterpiece from Telarc but I doubt that a provincial orchestra can compete with an ensemble like the Boston Symphony under maestro Munch.

Both DGG's Levine and Telarc's earlier RBCD recordings sound like RBCDs generally do in comparison with good LPs or SACDs,like syntheziser versions!Good music robbed of its emotional and tonal and timbral glory.

If you want to hear Berlioz's fantastic music in almost all its splendour this simply miked analogue transfer is an absolute must!

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