Presto classical

[Petrushka]

Yes I have always found Presto good, as are MDT.

Are the Boehm recordings mono Petrushka, given their early date? What do you make of the sound and interpretation (I have Boehm's DG LvB and Schubert cycles, but they are later recordings).

I am also tempted by the other Eloquence recordings (saves getting them all the way from Oz via Buywell, doesn't it?) by Krips; though as we've touched on before I cannot help but let the late John Culshaw's experiences of the man put me off his recordings somewhat! I know it shouldn't matter, but....

So much for Presto's description of him as "cheery-looking"

As I've mentioned on a different thread, yes, the Bohm discs are mono but what glorious sound it is! The sound is rich, clear and detailed and is far better than many a more modern recording made in the Musikverein. Note though that the Weber overtures on one of the CD's have been mislabeled Don't let that put you off though. I can recommend these CD's with all possible enthusiasm!

Afraid I share your reservation about Krips; 'there's no art to find the mind's construction in the face'.

[Bryn]

Hmm, after saying nice things about them I am now going to have to take Presto Classical to task and demand a refund of an excess post and packing charge from them. I recently placed an order for 5 items from them, then discovered I wanted to add a further double CD album. I emailed them requesting that they add it to the order but in reply received a request that I place a new order, and that they would adjust the postal charge to reflect that for a single order. The two order arrived in the same package today. Inside were two separate dispatch notes. They have not adjusted the p&p charge as they promised, but have charged the the basic £1.50 for the additional item, despite sending it in the same package. Not the sort of service I would have expected from them.

[Chris Newman]

John Culshaw was not the only one who found Krips abrasive and rude. A neighbour in the 60s played freelance viola, often bumpering in the LPO when at Glyndebourne and said they disliked him because of his temper. He had a habit of spitting when disappointed. She got some work at Covent Garden and was annoyed to find it included him conducting "Die Meistersinger". Apparently, the usually unflappable leader, Charles Taylor, and the orchestral manager, Bram Gay, had an unholy row with him about his manners: Krips made Solti seem a gentleman. The brilliant trumpet playing of Gay (Barbirolli's wonderful Halle trumpeter), was noticeable in ROH performances for several years as he was happy to play and manage in tandem.

[BBMmk2]

Ah bram Gay!! yes great trumpet player. Ive come across with him many moons ago!!