THE PERFORMANCE!
Raymond S. Chaney | Kentucky, US | 01/23/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was thrilled to finally be able to replace my old (nearly worn out) copy of this recording.These are the most intense renderings of the pieces that I have ever heard."
1812 Overture, Bald Mountain, Easter Overture, Polovtsian
John R. Buffum | USA | 10/13/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The LP was an early acquisition for me. I am replacing my most played LP with this CD.
I was impressed by the treatment of each piece. The 1812 Overture was, by far, the best of the lot. I have heard other orchestras and other conductors do this, but, this one is a standout.
The one incongruous piece was the Polovtsian Dances. The other three were classical classic, and this one was a combination of swing and classical. Still, enjoyable.
The Russian Easter Overture was excellent. If you think about what it was trying to communicate, you get it.
Night on Bald Mountain on this record has only been bested by the Disney Fantasia treatment of it. This one was impressive, but the Disney version was inspiring, and brought tears to my eyes. On the Disney version, Stokowski did this by changing the last movement to Ave Maria. On this version, Hollreiser keeps to the Moussorgsky score for then ending.
Ah, the OLD Disney movies. That was stuff to appeal to values.
This recording is well worth any money they ask for it"