[SoundsGood]

Has anyone here had the chance to A/B the RCA Living Stereo CD release of Respighi's Pines of Rome (Reiner/Chicago Symphony) to the newly remastered XRCD release?

I have the opportunity to compare them right now as my dad owns the XRCD, and I own the Living Stereo CD. I can write more later with some comments, but I can definitely hear a difference between the two, with much preference going to the XRCD. A $20 difference? Depends on your pocketbook I guess. If you've got the cash, then I would say yes. If not, I would stick with the Living Stereo CD.

Of course, now that RCA will most likely be reissuing this as part of their Living Stereo SACD series, that will make for a good comparison to the XRCD. Certainly will be an interesting comparison.

On a side note, which recordings do people here like of Pines of Rome? I'm still looking for an equal to the Reiner classic.

 

[mbhaub]

I'm assuming you're looking for an over-the-top thrill ride? Well, the Muti is sensational, as is the Maazel/Sony and an amazing buy on Naxos with Batiz. But for my Roman-orgy eargasm, I pull out Dutoit on London -- forget headphones, this is subwoofer country! Pines is hard to screw up musically, it just requires a great recording, which is why, alas, the Toscanini can't be included.

 

[SoundsGood]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbhaub I'm assuming you're looking for an over-the-top thrill ride? Well, the Muti is sensational, as is the Maazel/Sony and an amazing buy on Naxos with Batiz. But for my Roman-orgy eargasm, I pull out Dutoit on London -- forget headphones, this is subwoofer country! Pines is hard to screw up musically, it just requires a great recording, which is why, alas, the Toscanini can't be included.

I have the Muti, and agree it's good. As good as Reiner? I don't think so, IMHO. I just don't think the playing compares to the CSO. Also, for me at least, some of Muti's tempi border on too fast. Interesting, I've never read a recommendation for Maazel/Sony, (didn't know it existed, actually) always the classic Maazel/Decca. How do the two compare, if you have heard the Maazel/Decca? Dutoit's Pines might be around here somewhere, I'll have to look. I've only heard the Toscanini on an LP; sound was below subpar, so it was hard for me to judge.

I give high marks to Mata/Dallas Symphony. Tremendous recording, the Dallas Symphony are on top form. Somehow, the energy seems to wane a bit in The Pines of the Appian Way. Not disastrously so, but I felt a little bit. Nevertheless, I could certainly recommend this recording.

I agree, Pines needs a great recording. It also needs superlative playing. It's true that it's hard to mess up from a conductor's standpoint. You just need to let orchestra paint the pictures, guided by some careful balances from the conductor. And of course let them play the hell out of it.

 

[bigshot]

I've got the Sinopoli with the NYPO. He's slow... as he has a reputation of being... but he pays attention to the details that make the piece picturesque. Very beautiful musicmaking.

See ya
Steve