Search - Vaughan Williams, Slatkin, Philharmonia Orch :: Symphony 2 / Tallis

Well, 5 stars for the symphony and the smaller works

Gregory M. Zinkl | Chicago, IL | 02/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The string playing, consistent throughout Slatkin's whole set, is stunning, and defines "gorgeous". This aspect is exploited well in the London Symphony, which has to have one of VW's most inspired, romantic slow movements. I would've preferred Slatkint to have been a little indulgent, but hey, it's a minor quibble. You want indulgent, check out Previn's equally excellent Telarc recording with the Royal Phil.



The ever-popular Fantasia gets a gorgeous recording--one that should be kept under glass and away from the little ones. I'm afraid that while beauty reigns in this performance, the passion is less so. For both beautiful string playing and a full, emotional whallop, you must sample Ormandy on Sony with his Philly forces.



However, these are quibbles. This disc is in every aspect fully enjoyable. And of course, the engineering is excellent, although requiring a little boost in the volume to appreciate the full sonic picture/splendor."