Review by sheronemus February 24, 2007 (10 of 12 found this review helpful)
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This performance exemplifies the magic that occurs when a perfect symbiosis is achieved between a music director and orchestra. Nothing sounds forced or contrived, and when Reiner takes some slightly unusual tempo liberties in the Largo the performers seem to innately understand his intent and everything flows and makes perfect sense. Reiner emphasizes the minor/major key changes in the Scherzo to brilliant effect, and the 4th movement dazzles with energy and virtuosity. The Carnival Overture, Smettena and Weinberger are lovely surprise ornaments to a must-have Symphony No. 9.
The multitrack transfer reflects the 3-mike original recording (left, center and right channels only) and does not add engineering to a splendid recording. This disc is like a time machine bringing the listener back to a main floor center seat a Orchestra Hall. The strings reveal their wooden resonance, and you can hear the buzz of string on frets during the bass pizzicato passages. That said, we are talking about 1950's recording technology and I have heard more detailed SACDs. Still, the difference between the CD and SACD multichannel layers is not subtle.
I've known and loved the Solti/CSO "New World" recording for years; it is now relegated to the re-gifting pile. If you are a Dvorak fan, buy this disc.
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