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Review by mwagner1962 January 16, 2006 (7 of 7 found this review helpful)
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Okay...
Late last year there was some news on this site that stated that Melba Records was going to release a SACD recording of Wagner's titanic opera cycle, The Ring Cycle. Needless to say I would definitely want to hear some other Melba recordings (to see what the sound quality is like) before I plop down the serious green for a complete Wagner opera on SACD.
So...I decided to order the La Somnambule, despite the only other Herold piece I was familiar with was his Zampa Overture.
Onwards.....the disc arrived after about an 8 day wait (likely a delay in US Customs). I was very nervous putting the disc in, though I was more worried about the then unknown sound quality. I was not at all worried about the music or interpretation, as I have the utmost respect for Maestro Bonynge......I have way too many Decca operas with him at the helm!!!
Needless to say, I was very impressed with the sound quality of this recording. I suspect the Ikawai Hall were the orchestra was recorded is a large hall, as I get the same massive hall effect that I get when listening to Concertgebouw Amsterdam recordings (this is not a bad thing!!!)
Transparency and spacing is very fine and it is very easy to "see" into the orchestra...as in, I close my eyes and all of the sections are right where I expect them to be!!!
In closing, a fine effort from Melba Records!!!!! Great sound, great orchestra (though I did not get a really great feel for the brass since the ballet score must not be, say as friendly as, a Wagner opera???) Will I now buy their upcoming Ring Cycle??? YOU BET!!!!!
Despite having to, ahh, jump through hoops to get this SACD, it was well worth the effort!!!
HIGHLY recommended!!!
Cheers,
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