add to wish list | library


50 of 54 recommend this,
would you recommend it?

yes | no

Support this site by purchasing from these vendors using the paid links below. As an Amazon Associate SA-CD.net earns from qualifying purchases.
 
amazon.ca
amazon.co.uk
amazon.com
amazon.de
 
amazon.fr
amazon.it
 
jpc

Reviews: Ravel: Bolero, La Valse, Rapsodie Espagnole - Munch

read discussion

Reviews: 1

Review by Peter May 15, 2005 (16 of 17 found this review helpful)
Performance:   Sonics:  
Stereo sonics: top sound

I had thought of leaving my little review at that but......

This wonderful SACD arrived a week ago and, having listened to it quite captivated by the wonderful performances and superb engineering, I was surprised that it had not been reviewed here. Indeed, it had attracted only one recommendation, a negative one at that, though the score has now improved hugely.

Munch seems to make the BSO sound like a top flight French orchestra in that the performances sound so authentic; the playing is sensitive and powerful, the balance superb. There is depth to the recording which is a credit to the minimal number of microphones used, but the balance and ensemble are down to the inspiring conducting of Munch.

Bolero is taken at a tempo which maintains the tension without becoming heartlessly relentless. La Valse's performance has been described elsewhere as a bit of a mess, but I found the ensemble in the rubati breathtakingly elegant.

Rapsodie Espagnole and Images are virtuoso performances; just luxuriate in the music and the sound!

Recommended with enormous pleasure.

Was this review helpful to you?  yes | no