Customer Reviews

Holst Suites 1 & 2 / Handel Music for the Royal Fireworks / Stars and Stripes (Stereo Hybrid SACD)

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This album Holst Suites 1 & 2 / Handel Music for the Royal Fireworks / Stars and Stripes (Stereo Hybrid SACD), which combines two CD albums, was originally recorded via the Soundstream digital method in 1978. The Holst and Handel pieces were originally released on LP as Telarc Stereo no. 5038 (on the jacket) or Stereo 10038 (on the record label).

In my opinion, this is the finest recording of the Handel "Music for the Royal Fireworks" ever recorded. Ditto (and maybe even more!) for the Holst military suites. Frederick Fennell is unbeatable in this kind of music, written for winds and brass. Believe me, you'll love it.

When initially released, this record caused a sensation as no one had ever heard sound like this on LP previously. This was partly due to the then-new digital recording (at 50 kHz), the German pressing which was far superior to what was available in the US at that time or any time previous, but mostly due to the magnificent performances offered here. I bought two copies of the LP - one as a "protection" copy; at $17.98 each this was no mean purchase.

The initial CD release in 1983 was terribly disappointing. Upon hearing it, in a controlled venue, I knew there was something wrong but I could not identify what it was. We now know that the conversion from 50 kHz to 44.1 kHz is problematic at best and dreadful at worst.

In my opinion, the whole CD "thing" was a disaster for good recorded sound. (The sampling rate is far too low; okay for "rock and roll" music, which is artificial to begin with, it makes most classical music sound terrible.) I have been called a "luddite" for staying with LPs, but I now know my decision was justified as I knew that putting in a CD player would be a retrogression in sound.

My son introduced me to SACD recently, with its far higher sampling rate and better means of recording and I bought three Sony SCD-CE595 players, one of which has been put in my "main" system (Hafler DH-101 Pre-amplifier, Hafler DH-200 Amplifier, Klipschorn speakers), the first "digital" component to be put there.

Having thus heard this new SACD album through that system, I can honestly say that I personally have never heard it sound so well. I believe that everyone will like this music, even if not a "classical" fan, and the sound itself will astound. This release (along with the RCA Living Stereo and the Mercury Living Presence SACDs) has rekindled the joy of hi-fi for me again!

I give it my whole-hearted recommendation.

I have always been a great fan of Fennell. And, of course, sharing the same birthplace had nothing to do with it.

I have also loved both the Fireworks and Water music as well as the Holst. Having played them all in an Army band, I can really get inside the music. The Holst was even scored by the composer for military band.

All that said, Fennell is it! This is by far the best conducted and best played version I have ever heard. It is always thrilling, is never dry, like so many others. I have treasured my LPs for years, and am very pleased to hear a CD version that is almost as good. And for all the bombast, none of the inner detail is lost. Fennell and the Eastman are legitimate national treasures.

Warning: If you ever hear this played on a good system with a subwoofer, you might just want to buy a subwoofer, too.

(edited for speling)

This CD replaces two LP albums that I purchased in the 1980's. Anyone who has played in concert band in high school, college or community band has played these works. The performance and recording are great.

I have wanted this music for so long, with Frederick Fennell's arrangement. And now at last I can enjoy it without having to visit other people to hear theirs. I loved it - played it good and loud and I am sure even my neighbours heard it! I am looking forward to more of Frederick Fennell's arrangements. I like a bit of 'oomph' in my music. Makes me glad I'm alive! Thanks. Gwen