Decca SXL 2011: Ansermet's Classic Stereo Petrushka
Stravinsky: Petrushka
Ernest Ansermet, conductor
L'Orchestre de la Suisse Romande
Pressing: UK, ED1
Condition: EXDate first published: 1958
Stampers:
ZAL 3809-2E
ZAL 3810-3E
Performance: 8/10
Sound: 7/10
Price range: $21-542 (mean $158) on popsike.com
Comments: I bought this for $1 at a used book sale in 2003 and have never regretted the purchase. This is one of those classic Deccas that has legendary status, and as you can see from the price range, it has retained its value over time (the lower end of the price spectrum is made up of the reissues, not the originals), and for good reason. The performance is very well known and respected, as Ansermet had a knack for conducting Russian music and Stravinsky in particular. I know that I've previously harped on the sound of early Decca FFSS LPs because of its extra bright treble and distortion, but this record is not one of those. The sound on this one is really excellent. Yes, you have the best of the early Decca warm tube sound. The tube warmth adds a little darkness to the sound and takes away from the transparency and real-life sound of the recording but gives it its "magic", as my colleague Miles likes to say. Importantly, there is excellent dynamic range and clarity on this album. There is essentially no distortion on the LP, which is pleasantly surprising. The midrange is rich, and bass has great impact. This record is thoroughly enjoyable from the start to the finish and may just be my favorite analog recording of this ballet.
Well this is in the pile for the next Decca versus blue back series and I need to listen. I also have this Decca (some may have been sold in US) and 4 London Bluebacks. I've previously been underwhelmed since this is a long time TAS Super Disc list resident.
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