Search - George Gershwin, Arthur Fiedler, Boston Pops Orchestra :: Rhapsody in Blue / An American in Paris

Perfect antidote for classical (and audio) snobbery

Lawrence A. Schenbeck | Atlanta, GA USA | 05/18/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Attention all music snobs! This SACD is just what you need to clean out your ears, and your soul. I just finished listening to it after spending a dispiriting morning with a 2004 multichannel release of a major, very serious violin concerto from a major label, major soloist, major orchestra and conductor. On that disc, tepid music-making, oh-so-careful recording and mastering. Oh so boring.



Now here's the real thing. Made back when people enjoyed making and hearing "light classics" -- and it really shows. Although I'm a boomer, I was not familiar with earlier iterations of this famous Boston Pops recording. Therefore I can't comment on whether it's as good as this remastering or that original shaded dog or whatever.



All I can say is, wow! This three-channel SACD really hits the spot. The pianist, Earl Wild, is probably unmatched in this repertoire. The orchestra, under its founding conductor, plays with matching exuberance. Everyone seems to be having a ball, first measure to last. When's the last time you heard a classical recording like that?



The recorded sound is open, colorful, engaging, and totally persuasive. Sure, the soloist is brightly lit, and there's a bit of suspect reverb. But I can hear the hall, the imaging is pretty good, and it's just so involving! Bless you, Richard Mohr and Lewis Layton and all the rest. Why can't they make 'em like this anymore?



So, unconditionally recommended. Once you've heard this, you can go back to your Magnus Lindberg or Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach or Pierre Boulez or 13th-century Moldavian motets or whatever and feel like one of the few, the precious few again. But at least you will have had some fun.



I have enjoyed many of the Living Stereo SACD remasterings, but this one is quite special."

The best SACD transfer, period!

wagnerian | Caliifornia | 07/03/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is unbelievable to listen to these almost 50 years old RCA recordings.



The sound stage and transparency, spatial information and autholative bass equal to today's best audiophile recordings.

You can "SEE" the interior of Boston symphony hall and feel the walls vibrating in awesome tutti!



Wonderful performance and incredible recording technique.

Must Have!

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