Seems there's every pre-1965 stereo except SXL 2015 (Suisse/Argenta)- and Philips 1964 LSO/Markevitch - which is 'better-recorded' than Decca's Maazel/ 1962 Szell - and possibly a superior interpretation.
My most natural/best-sounding is from 1983: CfP 4414 (LPO/Macal)..and Digital. Wide-ranging treble analysis/far greater transparency...this sounds more like an orchestra, in situ (the excellent Henry Wood Hall), than a smudged/jumbled collection of miked 'noises'.
Many thanks for your vote, Tin Ear! Yes, you're right ... I was too lazy to get a pic of the Argenta and Markevitch for the post, BUT I will be writing a follow-up post of some personal recommendations, and the Markevitch Philips is one of them, complete with the original cover art. I agree -- the Markevitch is very well recorded. Not perfect, but closer to that than most of the others. The Maazel/VPO I will have to listen to again to get a better impression. The 2nd pressing of Mravinsky on DG was not impressive, and I would wager that the 1st pressing (far more expensive) is no better. The box set reissue of 4, 5, 6 on DG on thinner vinyl sounds far better. I like the Silvestri on CD, but if the 4th on ASD is similar to the 5th that I reviewed, it's likely to be a bit of a sonic disappointment.
Recently I've been listening to Rodzinski's recording on both Westminster WST 14006 and WRC STP 363. The WRC is possible the better pressing but there is not much in it.
I think Rodzinski has been overlooked in the past but his 4th is very enjoyable.
Now that's one I haven't come across. How do you describe the sound on those early Westminster stereos? I've only heard some of their mono chamber music recordings, which have a nice balance, but I've not ventured out to pick up any of their stereo orchestral recordings.
I only have a few stereo Westminster recordings and the overriding impression is that they are well recorded but can exhibit a fair amount of tape hiss. As with most labels the Westminsters can be a bit hit and miss when it comes to pressing quality and sometimes those pressed under license by EMI or WRC can be a great improvement, sometimes not. Erica Morini's Tchaikovsky VC recording is a great performance as is her Brahms VC but there is tape hiss noticeable. The Julian Olevsky Mendelssohn & Bruch Violin Concertos released in the UK on Whitehall WHS 20041 by Associated Recordings is beautifully played but takes a little getting used to as the soloist sits with the string section to the left rather than centre stage as most do. Although I only have a few, the mono chamber recordings are certainly worth seeking out.
Maybe I just have to try some out at your recommendation. If you have any other recommendations of worthy Westminster stereos, I'd love to hear them. I'm familiar with some of the mono recordings of the Vienna Konzerthaus and Barylli Quartets.
I only have a few Westminsters plus some Westminster recordings that were released on HMV, WRC and Whitehall labels in the UK. The famous one is the Knappertsbusch Bruckner 8 but not having heard it I can't comment on SQ or performance but It could just be the same Knappertsbusch frenzy that afflicts Deccas.
Personally I would start with the Erica Morini Violin Concertos on WST 14017 & 14037 and the Olevsky on WST 14080 as if you don't like them, they will be easy to pass on.
You should also try out some of the Beethoven, Brahms and Mozart Trios with Fournier, Janigro and Badura-Skoda, you won't be disappointed.
The archives are a wealth of information, lots of recordings I have, and just as many I don't. Have you reviewed the Edith Heinemann Dvorak featured in your sidebar yet? It's one of my favourite recordings, her musicianship is sublime.
Thanks for sifting through them and for your comments! I actually don't even own the Heinemann (pretty much all of the images used for our reviews are taken by us, but many of those sidebar pics that are mostly for eye candy are taken from the web), though it's on my wish list. Ejeden has (or has had) this and praises the album. Trying to find a copy, but they don't run cheap on Ebay. You're making me want to get one even more now. I'll let you know as soon as I get lucky and land one.
I think you just need to put a watch on eBay and wait till one comes up at the right price. I see that one sold for about $25 about 10 days ago although it was in Switzerland so you obviously need to factor in shipping. It is a nice recording and I think if it was generally known how good it is the average price may well be even higher.
I just noticed it came up as Heinemann in my comment as well. The auto spelling seems to default to that rather than Peinemann
Seems there's every pre-1965 stereo except SXL 2015 (Suisse/Argenta)- and Philips 1964 LSO/Markevitch - which is 'better-recorded' than Decca's Maazel/ 1962 Szell - and possibly a superior interpretation.
ReplyDeleteMy most natural/best-sounding is from 1983: CfP 4414 (LPO/Macal)..and Digital.
Wide-ranging treble analysis/far greater transparency...this sounds more like an orchestra, in situ (the excellent Henry Wood Hall), than a smudged/jumbled collection of miked 'noises'.
Many thanks for your vote, Tin Ear! Yes, you're right ... I was too lazy to get a pic of the Argenta and Markevitch for the post, BUT I will be writing a follow-up post of some personal recommendations, and the Markevitch Philips is one of them, complete with the original cover art. I agree -- the Markevitch is very well recorded. Not perfect, but closer to that than most of the others. The Maazel/VPO I will have to listen to again to get a better impression. The 2nd pressing of Mravinsky on DG was not impressive, and I would wager that the 1st pressing (far more expensive) is no better. The box set reissue of 4, 5, 6 on DG on thinner vinyl sounds far better. I like the Silvestri on CD, but if the 4th on ASD is similar to the 5th that I reviewed, it's likely to be a bit of a sonic disappointment.
DeleteI'm not familiar with the LPO/Macal but will keep an eye out for it. I also didn't throw in there Muti's on EMI, which is pretty excellent.
DeleteRecently I've been listening to Rodzinski's recording on both Westminster WST 14006 and WRC STP 363. The WRC is possible the better pressing but there is not much in it.
ReplyDeleteI think Rodzinski has been overlooked in the past but his 4th is very enjoyable.
Now that's one I haven't come across. How do you describe the sound on those early Westminster stereos? I've only heard some of their mono chamber music recordings, which have a nice balance, but I've not ventured out to pick up any of their stereo orchestral recordings.
DeleteI can also see that you are making the rounds on the blog. Thanks!
DeleteI only have a few stereo Westminster recordings and the overriding impression is that they are well recorded but can exhibit a fair amount of tape hiss. As with most labels the Westminsters can be a bit hit and miss when it comes to pressing quality and sometimes those pressed under license by EMI or WRC can be a great improvement, sometimes not. Erica Morini's Tchaikovsky VC recording is a great performance as is her Brahms VC but there is tape hiss noticeable. The Julian Olevsky Mendelssohn & Bruch Violin Concertos released in the UK on Whitehall WHS 20041 by Associated Recordings is beautifully played but takes a little getting used to as the soloist sits with the string section to the left rather than centre stage as most do.
DeleteAlthough I only have a few, the mono chamber recordings are certainly worth seeking out.
Maybe I just have to try some out at your recommendation. If you have any other recommendations of worthy Westminster stereos, I'd love to hear them. I'm familiar with some of the mono recordings of the Vienna Konzerthaus and Barylli Quartets.
DeleteI only have a few Westminsters plus some Westminster recordings that were released on HMV, WRC and Whitehall labels in the UK.
DeleteThe famous one is the Knappertsbusch Bruckner 8 but not having heard it I can't comment on SQ or performance but It could just be the same Knappertsbusch frenzy that afflicts Deccas.
Personally I would start with the Erica Morini Violin Concertos on WST 14017 & 14037 and the Olevsky on WST 14080 as if you don't like them, they will be easy to pass on.
You should also try out some of the Beethoven, Brahms and Mozart Trios with Fournier, Janigro and Badura-Skoda, you won't be disappointed.
The archives are a wealth of information, lots of recordings I have, and just as many I don't. Have you reviewed the Edith Heinemann Dvorak featured in your sidebar yet? It's one of my favourite recordings, her musicianship is sublime.
DeleteThanks for sifting through them and for your comments! I actually don't even own the Heinemann (pretty much all of the images used for our reviews are taken by us, but many of those sidebar pics that are mostly for eye candy are taken from the web), though it's on my wish list. Ejeden has (or has had) this and praises the album. Trying to find a copy, but they don't run cheap on Ebay. You're making me want to get one even more now. I'll let you know as soon as I get lucky and land one.
DeleteSorry, I meant to say Peinemann, not Heinemann!
DeleteWhat would you say is "fair price" for the Peinemann? I'm seeing all listings starting out at a minimum of $75!
DeleteI think you just need to put a watch on eBay and wait till one comes up at the right price. I see that one sold for about $25 about 10 days ago although it was in Switzerland so you obviously need to factor in shipping. It is a nice recording and I think if it was generally known how good it is the average price may well be even higher.
ReplyDeleteI just noticed it came up as Heinemann in my comment as well. The auto spelling seems to default to that rather than Peinemann