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Label:
  Sony Classical - http://klassik.sonymusic.de/
Serial:
  SS 62700
Title:
  Bernard Herrmann: The Film Scores - Salonen
Description:
  Bernard Herrmann: The Film Scores

Los Angeles Philharmonic
Esa-Pekka Salonen (conductor)
Track listing:
 
Genre:
  Soundtrack
Content:
  Stereo
Media:
  Single Layer
Recording type:
 
Recording info:
 
Note:
  SRGR744 in Japan.

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Related titles: 2


 
Reviews: 1

Review by gonzostick July 19, 2009 (7 of 11 found this review helpful)
Performance:   Sonics:
This is a mixed bag. Why did CBS/Sony issue this without surround mix when the RBCD has Bolby Surround tracks on it? The sound in two-channel SACD is quite good and the bass frequencies are very strong, without need for subwoofer. I would recommend avoiding this release on SACD and just finding the RBCD, as the SACD, now OP, is going for ridiculous prices on the used market. It's NOT worth that kind of money.

The performances are completely uneven. Salonen rushes the music to the extreme the musicians cannot play it. Yes, the LA strings play this music very well, but not as lushly as the composer or his colleagues from the film studio. The TAXI DRIVER music is so rushed, it completely misses the bluesy quality of the composer's last score. In general, I think Salonen may be exposing his dismissal of this repertoire by just playing it fast and getting it off the docket. So, in general, the performances are IMPERSONAL.

Herrmann's biggest point was that he was his own orchestrator. There are some serious violations of his orchestrations, most notably in TORN CURTAIN, where 9 trombones, 3 groups of three with or without mutes, are required to play the opening vamp in the orchestration. That does NOT happen here and the effect is missing, to the detriment of the performance.

Yes, as a sonic blockbuster this release is OK, but the performances are not worth your time, and completely unidiomatic. Save your money.

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