francois@yale.ARPA (Charles B. Francois) (02/05/86)
While we're on the subject of CBS/Sony CD reissues of Bruno Walter
performances, I'm wondering if anyone can compare the sound quality of
the Dvorak Eighth issue to that of others in the series. I chose that
particular recording, perhaps my absolute favorite Walter performance,
as an introduction to the series, and I was very disappointed with the
sound. In all respects, I preferred the sound of my Odyssey LP of it,
which was fuller, warmer and ideally tailored to the "Indian summer"
mood of the performance. On CD, what I thought of as one of the few
truly perfect records I know lost most of its magic. The CD also
comes with an OK performance of the Act I Prelude and Good Friday music
from "Parsifal", but that did little to enhance the CD's appeal for
me. Since then, I've refrained from buying any other items in the
series. In particular, I'd like to pick up the CD of his "Pastoral"
(which I have on a very nice German Great Performances pressing), and
would appreciate comments and comparisons from someone who has heard
both issues.
Thanks much.
--Charles B. Francois {...,decvax,allegra}!yale!francois