Search - Fritz Reiner :: Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 In F, Op. 68 - Pastoral (XRCD)

A Real Gem, with Fabulous Sound

T. Beers | Arlington, Virginia United States | 08/19/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For my money, there are three great recordings of the Beethoven "Pastorale" symphony from analog stereo's Golden Age: Klemperer's on EMI, Bruno Walter's on Sony, and this marvelous Fritz Reiner performance with the great, unsurpassed Chicago Symphony. Recorded in 1963 (and not long after Reiner's retirement), it demonstrates all of Reiner's great gifts for producing rhythmically "tight", structurally cogent performances of classical (Haydn/Mozart/Beethoven) music. But it also offers something else: a marvelous sense of relaxation and tenderness that completely belies Reiner's reputation as a podium martinet whose recordings are organized, efficient and "cool," but lack heart. I've owned versions of this recording now for over 30 years, and no prior CD has begun to suggest the glorious sound that RCA achieved on its original Lp issue. This new XRCD version from JVC completely recaptures that wonderfully transparent, yet richly warm sound quality. Yes, you'll pay more for this XRCD version, but trust me, once you hear this very special performance in sound quality that finally does it full justice you won't think you've spent one penny too much! (Note: Unlike Sony's SACD technology, you do not need special equipment to play an XRCD disc. But the real improvements in technology provided by XRCD discs sound all that more stunning if you have comparably sophisticated playback equipment.)"