| Review by flathead March 25, 2005 (6 of 6 found this review helpful)
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Performance:  Sonics: |
| WOW. This is Rossini, Auber and Berlioz done right. Just listen to Overture to La scala di seta (The Silken Ladder) and Overture to L'italiana in Algeri (The Italian Girl in Algiers). Szell is in top form and the performance of the Cleveland Orchestra is, as it always was with Szell, outstanding. Szell captures the emotional content of Rossini as few are capable. The sound of this recording on SACD is exactly what SACD is about, full spectrum, wide sound stage, and micro dynamic contrasts that bring out the essence of the composition and the emotion of the music. Five stars!
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| Review by Jonalogic July 22, 2010 (3 of 4 found this review helpful)
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Performance: Sonics: |
This is a simply fabulous Szell SACD, both sonically and musically.
Although there is some music here which is - shall we say - a tad lighter and not altogether top-rate, the inspired, sparkling playing brings contagious joy. The precision and dynamism of the performances is just wondrous. Who said George Szell had no sense of lightness or humour? Truly, this was a 'perfektion orkester' - and long before the term was used (incorrectly, I feel) for Karajan and the BPO.
As an added bonus, the sound also sparkles on this one- it's probably the best I have heard yet in this exceptional series from Sony; highly transparent, neutral and well staged(!). Only a very slight 'etched' quality shows this is no Shaded Dog.
Having Szell and the Cleveland materialise and perform in your living room, over 40 years on, is a wonderful experience. As always, much credit to Sony and their re-mastering folk. If only other companies dealt with their back catalogue with such grace and respect.
So, how's about it Sony, why not buy EMI's magical archives, mouldering in oblivion...?
And a second request, please , for Szell's stupendous reading of the Walton Variations on a theme of Hindemith.
Thanks, Sony, and thanks - of course - to a truly great conductor and orchestra.
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