Search - Leinsdorf, Philharmonia Orchestra :: The Sound of Wagner & Strauss/Leinsdorf

First-rate peformances and siund

Dr. Paul R. Terry | Bedworth, Warwickshire United Kingdom | 12/07/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I agree whole-heartedly with Mr Stevens' comments. I came across Leinsdorf over here in the UK through his superb version of Walkure for Decca with Vickers & George London, and later his Lohengrin from Boston. He had a reputation for being a 'cold' conductor, but there's no evidence of that here! The music-making is white-hot. His version of music from 'Frau' is different to Strauss' own 'suite', but equally impressive. I always feel that Leinsforf has never received his due; any fellow-Leinsdorfians out there?..."

Superb sound for early stereo!

Norman H Stevens | Lake View Terrace, California United States | 07/08/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard the album titled "The Sound of Wagner" at my college listening library in the late "60's" and fell in love with it. No Strauss though. I puchased the LP, but have since retired my turntables. After puchasing several CD's of recent digital recordings by other world class orchestras and being disappointed in both the recorded sound and lackluster playing, I found my favorite recording here! The Concert Arts Symphony Orchestra (being a collection of the finest musicians in Southern California) performs with the precision and emotional fire required for this collection of Wagner favorites. The Leinsdorf edited "Ride and Magic Fire" is to die for! It is amazing how recording sessions in 1957 and 1960 hold up to todays technology, but even at high volume, the sound is full bodied and peakless. Regarding the Strauss, I prefer the Solti CSO older recording on London for sheer power and recorded clarity, but the Leinsdorf is a fine offering. Kick in the subwoofer on the "Magic Fire Music" and enjoy the Wagnerian tubas!!"