Search - Maurice Ravel :: Ravel: Bolero; Daphnis & Chloe Suite No. 2; La Valse; Rapsodie Espagnole

Not the best of Everest or Barbirolli

Dick Schoener | Austin, TX | 09/27/2009

(2 out of 5 stars)

"After Belock Recording Company sold the Everest catalogue to Bernard Solomon in 1960, The company ceased making its own recordings but expanded its catalogue with recordings it acquired primarily from Europe. This appears to be one of those recordings. It has none of the superb sound quality of the original Everest productions. In fact, to my ears, this appears to be a mono recording; or, at best, electronically enhanced for stereo. The tape transfer is decent with adequate bass but somewhat strident highs. But the biggest disappointments are the performances. The orchestral playing is generally poor and the interpretations, pedestrian. Barbirolli and the Halle have made some fine recordings in their long history together. This is not one of them. Ravel deserves better."