Post by Stanbury December 20, 2009 (1 of 6)
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In The Absolute Sound, # 199, HP cites this SACD as an example of "how wrong things could go...bright and glassy...". Can anyone confirm this? Is the LP original also substandard?
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All those Mercury/Moscow LPs were a bit hard but brilliant and detailed. How objectionable (or enticing) that is would be a very subjective decision. The Prokofiev is a good example as there is a lack of deep bass and the piano is VERY close-up. Still, a thrilling performance made even more so by being "in your face." I love it although the SACD is a bit more of all this than is the LP. OTOH, I can understand criticizing it as it certainly does not fit the category of great (technical) recordings.
Kal
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Post by fafnir December 20, 2009 (3 of 6)
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I've had this recording in all formats since it was first released in vinyl back in the 1960s. In fact, it is an extremely sentimental attachment (no specifics will be provided) as well as fairly good performances that keep it in my collection. The sound was overly bright and glassy in vinyl and CD, and remains so in SACD. Although some of the most egregious distortions have been cleaned up in the SACD release, it remains an unsatisfactory recording. The Janis Rach 2 and 3 on SACD are much better.
Too bad RCA did not release the Janis/Reiner Rach 1 on the Living Stereo series - better performance and sound.
While on the subject of Rach, I hope that Sudbin records the Rach 1, 3, and Rhapsody for BIS; his recently-released Rach 4 in the original version is fabulous.
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Post by hiredfox December 21, 2009 (4 of 6)
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I am not critical at all, just glad to have it in the catalogue. There is precious little Prokofiev on SACD so grab it whilst it's there.
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Post by jdaniel December 21, 2009 (5 of 6)
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I have an Lp "RFR" copy and I scratch my head about why this was TAS-listed for so long; it's a little bright and not very atmospheric. (If you want to hear the glory of Mercuries 35mm era, I'd recommend Skrow's Romeo and Juliet with the Minnesota.) I also think that Janis is a little relentless, but that's just my personal preference. For the PC3, I like Cliburn's with Hendl on RCA SACD (and Lp) for his more than adequate "iron and steel," **and** his unusual attention to Prokofiev's more lyrical side. I'm reminded of Romeo and Juliet and Cinderella.
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Post by Claude December 22, 2009 (6 of 6)
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I listened to this again yesterday, and I did not find it bright at all on my system (AKG K1000 headphones). However, the recording is too close up, with little room ambience. All in all, I find it very enjoyable. There are much worse SACDs in the Mercury or Living Stereo lines.
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