Our Summer BaL 33: Stravinsky Symphony of Psalms

[Don Petter]

I see Pristine are bringing out an issue with Horenstein's 1953 SoP:

http://www.pristineclassical.com/pasc418.html

[frankwm]

I see Pristine are bringing out an issue with Horenstein's 1953 SoP]

The 'Rite' performances ('stereo'/mono) were uploaded by Misha Horenstein onto YouTube; thus you can download them, in decent quality, for Nowt..and do your own 'stunning transformation' of the LP (uploaded in March)..

stereo LP... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5a5QFPB2Icw
the obviously sonically superior mono CD... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X_Iv8dK5u4

[antongould]

Having gone to the shops before we swung to Lennie, I purchased the Sir Simon and having, at last, had the chance to listen I love it. IMHO a wonderful work and a very fine performance.

[Pulcinella]

Glad you like the Rattle, AG!
It perhaps suffered from being in the same batch of listening as the Bernstein!
But my listening notes say that I didn't like the pronunciation, especially Ally-lu!
Also, fugal wind entries in mvt 2 not of equal weight, and that the choir sounded underpowered.
Not too many minus points in the grand scheme of things.
I must listen again, and see what I make of the couplings too, but I note that HighlandDougie thought it a bit safe, which might reflect my overall reaction too.



I'd still like to hear opinion of other versions, not that there's any room left on the shelves.

[Nick Armstrong]

Bernstein/English Bach Festival Chorus/LSO

For me, the version I would rescue from my shelves if Casa Pulcinella were to catch fire is the Bernstein

Only just seen this thread, about possibly my favourite Stravinsky work... and yes, it's the Bernstein for me, too. The clincher for me is that no other version delivers those hushed 'Hallelujahs' in the same heart-stopping way, or paces the conclusion as hypnotically.

A gem.

[Pulcinella]

Endorsement from a host!
My forum credibility is now assured.

[Stanfordian]

Glad you like the Rattle, AG!
It perhaps suffered from being in the same batch of listening as the Bernstein!
But my listening notes say that I didn't like the pronunciation, especially Ally-lu!
Also, fugal wind entries in mvt 2 not of equal weight, and that the choir sounded underpowered.
Not too many minus points in the grand scheme of things.
I must listen again, and see what I make of the couplings too, but I note that HighlandDougie thought it a bit safe, which might reflect my overall reaction too.



I'd still like to hear opinion of other versions, not that there's any room left on the shelves.

Hiya Pulcinella,

I greatly admire the Rattle recording of the Symphony of Psalms. In addition I also highly rate the account from Boulez also with Berliner Philharmoniker on DG.

[Nick Armstrong]

Endorsement from a host!
My forum credibility is now assured.