Search - Bartok, Solti, Cso :: Concerto for Orchestra

One of the all-time great Bartok recordings

Bruce Hodges | New York, NY | 07/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This has now been reissued for a bargain price, and with that in mind is even more highly recommendable. Solti's empathy for this composer is unmistakable, and this from someone who doesn't always like this conductor's work. But his Bartok is quite amazing: precise, blazing with energy, and in this case, performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at its steely best.



The Concerto is one of my two or three favorite recordings of this piece. It was one of the first to emerge in really spectacular digital sound, and Solti's raw fury in the outer movements is breathtaking. This is a big, big performance that shows the orchestra pressed to its limit. The Dance Suite is equally vivid, and again, not for those wanting a quiet evening of pleasant listening. Solti handles the abrupt rhythmic changes beautifully, and the ensemble seems to have no shortage of adrenalin.



The sound is superb. If I recall, when this came out it was highly praised for its range and bold colors. But that said, it's also quite easy to listen to, and doesn't have that brassy texture that you might sometimes expect from Solti and this great orchestra. There are lots of versions of these pieces around -- especially the Concerto -- but you can't go wrong with this one."

CSO At Its Finest

Johannes Marlena | Los Angeles, CA | 08/07/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"With great recordings from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra now an occasional happenstance instead of a regular event, this disc harkens back to the last period of the glory days (decades, rather) of America's greatest orchestra. There is nothing quite like Bartok's Concerto for Orchestra to draw out the unique strengths of this ensemble, and this disc is a perfect showcase: the greatest brass section in the world, characterful winds, disciplined and muscular strings - all adding up to a uniquely American sound. Under the baton of Solti this music is a fearsome, thrilling and driving amalgam of fury (some would say vulgarity), parody and dance - and with just the right balance of levity, reflection and humor tossed in. The acoustically top-notch studio recording captures the electricity of a live performance and the completely organic interplay between all elements of the orchestra is a delight. At under $5 in the used bin, I don't know what you're waiting for. ****1/2



Other references: High Recommendation - Gramophone, Classical Music: Third Ear, Penguin Guide"