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Review by TT October 28, 2006 (5 of 6 found this review helpful)
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unlike the former raters, i dont think this sacd is that bad. the performance is very well done, u get a moving mimi with gheorghiu (in her great days - now she isnt that good anymore), a charming alagna as alfredo and the other cast is absolutely of highest order (keenlyside, d'arcangelo,...). but the real star here is the conductor: r. chailly takes a really new appraoch to this romantic over-played opera: u can hear flowing tempos and some new minor-changes of the opera score are made.
of course this is a sacd from former days, but in my opinion the sound stage has a wide range here, it is balanced and it uses all the five channels wisely (when a person is placed right to another in the opera, the voice of this person comes from the right channel, too) - so i can recommend this recording.
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Review by Dinko August 11, 2003 (3 of 4 found this review helpful)
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Performance:  Sonics: |
The folks at Classic Sound, those behind the sonics on this SACD, may not believe the SACD format will survive (see this article for more: http://www.audiomedia.com/archive/features/uk-0200/uk-0200-classicsound/uk-0200-classicsound.htm ) but they have produced an excellent disc despite their reservations towards SACD.
In the multichannel mix, although most of the music comes from the front most of the time, the various soloists are spread around the various channels at different points in time, just as they would be differently positioned in a room. While this is somewhat disconcerting at the beginning, one is easily taken into the performance, becoming part of it, instead of simply sitting in front of it.
The choruses often use front and rear speakers almost simultaneously for a total surround experience.
Dynamic range is wide and used only when needed to great effect.
There is depth, clarity and detail. Highs and lows are there when needed.
Singers are mostly good. Perhaps some could be better, but I think they all deliver the goods fairly well. Riccardo Chailly keeps it all flowing nicely together.
A good use of the multichannel capacity.
With great music to go along with the sonics. Or should that be the other way around?
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Review by tream August 24, 2003
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Performance: Sonics: |
I'm just responding to the existing review. I actually have heard just the first act so far, but early conclusions:
1. Not a great example of SACD multichannel sound. Some interesting low level detail, staging sounds like some thought was given to it, but at the same time strings at higher volumes sound to me disembodied, like CD sound.
2. Alagna will not erase memories of Bjoerling or Pavarotti as Rodolfo, just to name two, by a long shot. Also, as he approaches the high C in "Che Gelida Manina" I had the feeling that the acoustic changed. Weird, to say the least.
3. On the other hand Gheorghiu is worth the price of the set. Great voice, great singer (not always the same!)
4. Chailly does keep things moving.
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