Customer Reviews

Appalachian Spring (Multichannel/Stereo)

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Here we have the reissued classic Bernstein/New York Philharmonic recordings of four primary Copland ballets: Appalachian Spring, El Salon Mexico, Rodeo (dances sequence), and Billy the Kid. Even in comparison with the composer's own recorded performances, these readings stand out, a bit above. The sheer wide-open-prairie sound that SACD multichannel now allows ... now how did those old CBS stereo master tapes become multi? who knows?... in any case the surround sound now achieves new vividness, and a kind of "you are there" accuracy of tonal presence, whether the orchestra is temporarily engaging in play among one or more reduced, chamber-sized groups, or gathered up in typical Copland massed effects. All of these ballets are given completely superlative readings by Bernstein and company, here. But this new SACD mastering/pressing allows the greatness to come through more completely than ever before. As if Appalachian Spring, El Salon Mexico, and Rodeo were not enough: the recording of Billy the Kid tops it all. Even though this is the earliest recording, made in 1959, it was done in Boston's Symphony Hall. Although the differences in acoustic are subtle, if you listen closely among the changing tracks, you will hear the extra clarity and musical power of the Boston hall, long and deservedly renowned for its own special greatness of sound. In sum, you can buy this SACD for the sheer authenticity of the performances; or you can use it to test drive your multichannel system. In the latter case, you will be evaluating more than glitzy or floor-shaking sound effects, in favor of hearing just how much sheer music your rig can produce. The best of both worlds ... I am listening on five full-range speakers ... leaves a listener breathless with amazement. Billy the Kid is almost fifty years old, and sounds the best of the lot! Who can bear the agony of waiting to hear what contemporary BMG might be able to do with those equally famous Reiner/Chicago Symphony master tapes, also recorded in the pace-setting days of early stereo recording? Get this SACD disc, now. Forget movies for a while. Use your ears for fun, while you still have them. Highly recommended, for performance. Highly recommended for sound, especially in multichannel playback.

I must agree with others that have written about these performances: they're definitive indeed. "El Salon Mexico" absolutely sizzles. The "Rodeo" has more energy than any other recording I know of, in fact it can almost go over the top! "Billy the Kid" is quiet and tender, dramatic and bold and "Appalachian Spring" is dead-on. The last section of this ballet is one of my very favorite pieces of music and Bernstein's tempo and phrasing here could well be called perfect. Sony has done a superb job of remastering these recordings, which in some cases go back nearly 50 years. I'd love to see more things like this!