Customer Reviews

Pachelbel: Kanon - Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings

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

 

 

Well, we've been saturated with Kanons left and right. This one is played not by some scrawny-sounding, miniscule chamber ensemble with one instrument to a part, but by a glorious symphony orchestra, given the big romantic treatment in a slightly bastardized arrangement (violas going "plunk plunk plunk" was not in Pachelbel's head--or manuscript). Regardless, it's given such a heady performance, who cares? The shorter pieces are nicely done. The playing is superb, the sound very natural. The Serenade for strings represents a pedestrian interpretation with beautiful playing. Want a good serenade? This is fine; if you want an exceptional one, look elsewhere. However, it's a perfect disc for less-than-serious listening, and I've enjoyed it a lot.

I really wish I hadn't bought this recording. I just wanted a good recording of Kanon and I thought it'd be just because it was Telarc and a full symphony Orchestra, but to be honest it sounds like they're playing in a large closet with huge sound panels soaking all the resonance, it would've been better if had a concert hall sound I think. I guess the other guy is right about the serenade, I only listened to the kanon and didn't go on. just don't buy this if you want a good kanon.

There are many Kanon CDs out there but this one is by far my favorite. I'm really floored that anyone would give this fewer than 4 stars, maybe they don't have the ears to hear it. As far as I'm concerned this is the best interpretation of the pieces, nothing else comes close.

Most of the other CDs are too fast on the attack. This rendition gives each note exactly the perfect amount of breathing space. The sound quality is very well produced and full sounding.

The other reviewer commented "it sounds like they're playing in a large closet with huge sound panels soaking all the resonance". Apparently he comes from the "more reverb means it must be better" camp. In actual fact overdone reverb just washes everything out. Reverb is convenient for hiding mistakes in performance and production but if you actually want to hear what's being played you don't need to be drowned in it.

The resonance on this CD is at a tasteful level without feeling the need to go overboard on it which leaves the music sounding much clearer and finer. The richness an fullness comes from the body of having a complete orchestra, not from bouncing sound all over the room.

5/5 stars