Fritz Reiner , Chicago Symphony Orchestra - Strauss - Also Sprach Zarathustra 200G Classic Records LP (Sealed out of print)

by ktchoo on Sun Nov 13, 2011 7:54 pm

Legendary 1954 Reiner/CSO performance of a Strauss warhorse. Recorded directly to two-track analog by Jack Pfeiffer,who oversaw this Classic transfer of one of his favorite recordings and hailed this reissue as “definitive and spectacular.”

These historical recordings are the first Living Stereo sessions for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the legendary Fritz Reiner.

Considered by many to be the ultimate in high fidelity, this justly famous recording of Strauss' enigmatic score glows on the Classic Records reissue. Based on the Nietzsche's philosophical novel of the same name, Richard Strauss pulls out all of his tricks of orchestration to provide the listener with a musical journey of superhuman proportions. This giant struggle is guided carefully by the equally extraordinary efforts of Fritz Reiner and his Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

If not guided with a careful hand, the many sections of Zarathustra can so easily come apart at the seams. Therefore, it is much to our benefit that Reiner knows the score inside out and ensures that each episode maintains musical interest. As such, the orchestra travels from Dawn to the bitonality and ambiguity of Night with relative ease.

Recorded with just two Neumann M-50 microphones, Producer Pfeiffer and Engineer Chase made history with this early stereo session (there is some information suggesting a 77-DX mic was used as a "wind helper" in addition to the two Neumanns, and judging from the up-front sound of Adolf Herseth's supercharged trumpet, I suspect the rumor is correct). The sound is transparent, highlighting wonderful instrumental timbre and boasting solid bass impact when the score requires. Orchestra Hall's shallow, demi-lune stage is complete in its metaphysical state, captured in near-photographic form. No wonder this record is the measure by which the sounds of many LPs are judged.

LP reissue by Classic Records pressed at QUIEX SV-P 200g
Sealed and out of print.
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Price : RM300 (Nego)
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