COMPOSERS: Ravel
LABELS: RCA Living Stereo
WORKS: Daphnis et Chloé
PERFORMER: New England Conservatory Chorus & Alumni Chorus, Boston SO/Charles Munch
CATALOGUE NO: 09026 61846 2 ADD(1955)
One of the earliest stereo recordings, Munch’s 1955 Daphnis still sounds terrific; a certain constriction, by CD standards, is but a small drawback. The performance itself is marvellously alive to both the colours and structure of Ravel’s greatest score. The work sends hi-fi buffs into overdrive; Dutoit’s 1980s Decca version quickly became a CD demonstration disc. But Munch remains a must, even minus the Roussel filler which more generously accompanied this Daphnis on its previous CD outing. Keith Potter
Ravel: Daphnis et Chloé
One of the earliest stereo recordings, Munch’s 1955 Daphnis still sounds terrific; a certain constriction, by CD standards, is but a small drawback. The performance itself is marvellously alive to both the colours and structure of Ravel’s greatest score. The work sends hi-fi buffs into overdrive; Dutoit’s 1980s Decca version quickly became a CD demonstration disc. But Munch remains a must, even minus the Roussel filler which more generously accompanied this Daphnis on its previous CD outing. Keith Potter
Our rating
5
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:32 pm