Search - Antonin Dvorak, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic :: Dvorák: Symphony No. 9 [SACD]

Why Was This Issued?

ExBrooklyn | California | 12/15/2001

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I simply cannot understand why this SACD was released. I have many recordings of Dvoark's 9th, on both LP and CD -- all different from each other, most delightful in their own way. And while conductors are entitled to their interpretations, I think that Bernstein was smoking something serious when he recorded this disk. It is, in my view, a travesty-- unless Bernstein meant to be silly, in which case he succeeded. As to the sonics, one has the impression that Sony is trying to do to SACD what it did to Beta, which is to torpedo the better format. This 9th was clearly recorded with a forest of mikes, and with "hot strings" that were the fashion of the day. Simply awful -- particularly when contrasted with other SACD releases that are entirely breathtaking. If Antonin was alive, he'd drop dead on the spot listening to this. In fact, I visited his grave about a decade ago. If I ever go back, I'll let you know if he rolled over."

There is a difference

Samuel White | Minneapolis, MN USA | 06/24/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is my first SACD (except for the demo that ships with the Sony player). I already own a CD of this piece (not by Bernstein) that I had only lukewarm feelings about so I was using this new SACD as a test of both Bernstein and the new media.This experiment has taught me two things. Both Bernstein and the SACD format make a difference, but it is the SACD format that surprised me (I already expected great things of Bernstein). I must admit that when I originally bought my SACD player I really did not think this new format would be that audibly different, after all CD enthusiasts always claimed that the human ear could not hear the subtleties of the extra detail that was missing. Well, I am here to say that they are wrong.This SACD was a revelation especially in the more dramatic portions of the piece. To put it simply, a CD cannot capture the essence of fingernails on blackboard, SACDs can. The violins and brass drill into your skull in a way the a CD never can.Bernstein's interpretation was marvelous. It has a very up tempo edgy quality that was astonishing. I especially loved the brass in the 4th movement."

Awesome SACD

Jeremy Porter | NY, USA | 10/30/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is Leonard Bernstein and the NY symphony orchestra in top form. Mr. Bernstein's reading is interesting and the third movement of this symphony is among the fastest, most dramatic playing I have ever heard.The sound of this SACD is very big and bold that will kick you out of your listening chair.Also, you can hear the sense of the hall's acoustic, the breath of the orchestra and the hall's vibration which is fantastic. It is a demonstration quality."