COMPOSERS: Holst/Ravel/Stravinsky
LABELS: EMI
WORKS: The Planets
PERFORMER: Los Angeles PO, French Radio Orchestra, Berlin PO/Leopold Stokowski
CATALOGUE NO: CDM 5 65423 2 ADD (1956-58)
Drawn from Capitol’s variably successful ‘Full Dimensional Sound’ catalogue, these early stereo recordings are charismatic. Stokowski, the master at the height of his powers, shapes the music with a sweeping sense of structure and line, is dramatically responsive to every nuance and inflexion, and coaxes and commands the best out of his three very different bands. The clarity and detail, the dynamic range and bass/treble presence and the physical closeness of the Holst are stunning. Likewise the electrifying heat of the Ravel and the savage immediacy of the acoustically spacious Stravinsky – the strings, brass and percussion of the BPO are captured to devastating effect. Ates Orga
Holst/Ravel/Stravinsky: The Planets
Drawn from Capitol’s variably successful ‘Full Dimensional Sound’ catalogue, these early stereo recordings are charismatic. Stokowski, the master at the height of his powers, shapes the music with a sweeping sense of structure and line, is dramatically responsive to every nuance and inflexion, and coaxes and commands the best out of his three very different bands. The clarity and detail, the dynamic range and bass/treble presence and the physical closeness of the Holst are stunning.
Our rating
5
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:39 pm