Customer Reviews

Copland: Fanfare for the Common Man; Appalachian Spring Suite; Third Symphony

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I had the extreme pleasure of being under the conduction of Eiji Oue a few years ago for several concerts and rehearsals throughout the country. He is an inspiring individual both in his musical abilities and personal character and his ability to hear the smallest details of the music was amazing. He is by far the most extraordinary conductor I have ever worked with and no music collection is complete until it contains some of his works. I just can't say enough good things about him.

His interpretations of these Copland works is equally impressive as he brings out the little nuances of the music and accentuates the high points. His recordings are not to be missed and this one is no exception. The Third Symphony is first-rate in every way. This cd will become a treasured part of your collection for years to come and the HDCD format makes the performances that much more lifelike.

I would probably have to say so. My old fave used to be Bernstein's '86 version, but the ensemble overall is more together in this recording than Lenny's. Besides, Minnesota's strings sound better than virtually any other American orchestra today--particularly the basses (although I may be a bit biased--I study with one of them). Since I've seen them perform the 3rd twice, I can honestly say you would have to strain to hear a difference between listening to the CD and sitting in Orchestra Hall. In addition, despite it probably being a commercially-driven move, having Copland's 3 most well-known works all in one spot isn't too bad. Own this recording!!

How could a recording of Copland music done by the Minnesota Orchestra be any better? Get Eiji Oue to direct the orchestra, that's how. Copland doesn't get any better than this... except maybe live on Minnesota Public Radio! Breath in the breath of American music at it's best... did I mention that the Minnesota Orchestra is the best of the best? Did I need to... Happy Birthday to us all!

This recording is phenomenal! It starts with Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man." It can only be described as earth-shaking. The bass drum hits will knock you off your chair. It ends with Copland's "Third Symphony," which is a triumph. The Minnesota Orchestra played wonderfully and the recording by Reference Recordings/Keith O. Johnson is beyond compare.

If you love Copland, this CD is for you!

From the beginning, this CD has been recorded with superb quality for its reproduction. (It is 24 Bit HDCD)

The interpretations, performed in this case by Mr. Oue conducting the Minnesota Orchestra, are far more than outstanding!

It seems that sometimes a group of people (in this case conductor and orchestra) get tuned, all at the same time, in a unique mood to perform a work in the best way possible, and this is exactly what you get from this CD.

It would seem that the works were composed and awaited for this particular interpretation and I really think that anyone who tries to find out another that surpasses this one, then will have a very tough job to do.

Getting things simplier, get this one and you will enjoy it forever. The sound, besides being HDCD, has no less of the standard quality of any from Reference Recordings.

What I can add to the other outstanding reviews here is this: I listened to this CD on a Denon DCM-380 HDCD player which yielded a full 20 bit sound and a Sansui AU-D9 super low distortion Integrated Amplifier. The sound was magnificent. In particular I noticed a shimmer and detail to the strings that one never hears when listening to a regular 16-bit CD. The sound is so natural that it is as close to being in the concert hall as I have ever experienced. The performance by Que and the Minnesota is phenomenally exciting yet nuanced with details of dynamics not heard elsewhere. One walks away from this performance inspired and with goose bumps all over.

If you love Copland and big sound, and you have a big system, then this is the disk for you. Recorded in 24-bit HDCD splendor by the good folks at Reference Recordings, and given an energetic performance by Maestro Oue and his marvelous Minnesotans, this is a recording that will make you (and your neighbors, if you turn it up at all) sit up and take notice. If you have a good subwoofer, you will occasionally notice some strange goings-on way down low (perhaps the conductor dancing around on the podium), but that is part of the fun. The sonic perspective is a bit distant, yet quite detailed. Actually, I think the Appalachian Spring music would benefit from a lighter, brighter, closer sound; however, the more distant, warmer sound is probably best for the Fanfare and the Symphony (which incorporates the Fanfare music).

Yes, most audiophiles probably already have some spectacular Copland recordings, but as I mentioned at the outset, if you love Copland and big sound, and you have a big system, then this generously filled disk (72+ minutes) is one that you really ought to add to your collection. If your neighbors love Copland, then all the better.

Maybe it's just me since the other reviewers rate it so highly. I find the high end weak. The horns and cymbals just don't shimmer with life like I've heard on other recordings. I should note that I'm listening to this disc on a conventional cd player. In it's HDCD version, it may sound differently.