Fritz Reiner's tenure with the
Chicago Symphony Orchestra lasted only nine short years (it ended by his retirement shortly prior to his death), it is for this collaboration that
Reiner is most well-known. This is with good reason;
Reiner was largely responsible for molding the
CSO into the world-class orchestra that it still is today. With them,
Reiner produced an unprecedented number of recordings, many of which remain definitive interpretations even today. It is easy to lose sight, however, of the fact that
Reiner had a great many other postings before his command of the
CSO, which were equally fruitful and significant. This Guild Historical album shows
Reiner at the helm of two other orchestras: the
NBC Symphony Orchestra (which he led during
Toscanini's summer absences) and the
New York Philharmonic Orchestra (for which he was a frequent guest conductor). What listeners will immediately notice is that it almost doesn't matter what orchestra he is standing in front of; his exacting musical demands are met regardless. His interpretation of
Mozart's Impressario Overture is brisk but well controlled and surprisingly crisp considering its 1947 recording date. The crown jewel of the recording is
Shostakovich's Symphony No. 6, which would have been "new music" at the time.
Reiner's interpretation is intense and foreboding, and the excitement of the finale must have brought listeners to their feet. While all the musical attributes of
Reiner's conducting are present in abundance on this album, the sound quality is not especially well-restored, making this album more appropriate for historical collectors rather than casual listeners. ~ Mike Brownell, All Music Guide
