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Respighi: Pines of Rome, Fountains of Rome, Debussy: La Mer - Reiner

Respighi: Pines of Rome, Fountains of Rome, Debussy: La Mer - Reiner

Living Stereo  82876716142

Stereo/Multichannel Hybrid

Classical - Orchestral


Respighi: Pines of Rome, Fountains of Rome, Debussy: La Mer

Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Fritz Reiner (conductor)

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Comment by threerandot - July 7, 2016 (1 of 1)

Review by threerandot May 31, 2007
Performance: 3 1/2
Sonics: 3 1/2

This disc is certainly an interesting release in the Living Stereo series, although by no means in the top ranks. Still, there is plenty of inspired playing here and I think Reiner is more suited to the Resphigi works than Debussy's La Mer.

Reiner's reading of La Mer is certainly not the worst, but I get the feeling he is like a fish out of water. The Chicago Symphony can certainly play the big climaxes, but the interpretation is not evocative or colouful enough for my tastes. Reiner can capture the crashing of the waves, but in gentler moments he does not exude the more subtle and coloful nuances. This certainly is not up to the Karajan version on DG or Martinon's approach on EMI.

The Resphigi works are a different story, however. Reiner is more in his element, with colorful playing from the winds and exciting climaxes when called for. The opening moments of the Fountains of Rome set the mood nicely, anticipating what is to come. The Pines of Rome is also impressive.

Overall, this disc is mixed and much of this is due to the thin sound leaving me wanting more in the bass and there is a lack of body. I also think this disc shows it's age more than others in this series. Still, Reiner does some nice things with the Resphigi works. Recommended with reservations.