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This handsome LP – a “half-speed” master issue – from RCA (ARP1-4576, US pressing, “5 Series”, Red Seal label, original inner sleeve included) features an audiophile re-issue of Fritz Reiner and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s justly famous account of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, in Ravel’s orchestration, recorded in the rich acoustics of Orchestra Hall, Chicago on 7 December 1957 (producer: Richard Mohr / engineer: Lewis Layton). This was originally issued as an RCA “Living Stereo” title (LSC-2201).
Of RCA’s SACD re-issue of this performance, the erudite critic Victor Carr Jr. wrote in his 10/10 for ClassicsToday:
“Comparing RCA's new Reiner Mussorgsky Pictures SACD to its previous Living Stereo CD incarnation is similar to the experience of viewing a television screen after wiping away accumulated dust. Everything appears clearer, with enhanced detail and impact. The noticeably improved stereo separation creates a solid, three-dimensional effect--even though this is the two-channel version. [Editor's Note: The three-channel remastering is equally successful, and even more vibrant overall.] Listen to The Old Castle and hear the precise placement of instrumental groups in the sound picture, especially the percussion, with its crisp cymbals and powerful, punchy bass drum. This is even more the case in The Hut on Fowls Legs, where the strings take on a newly detailed articulation. In the Great Gate of Kiev you can now hear the fabled Chicago brass sound in its full, unrestrained splendor. The remaining selections are just as impressive sonically. But of course, marveling at the sound quality of these 40-year-old recordings is only a secondary consideration. Reiner's magnificent and still-unequalled performances remain the real reason for acquiring this disc. For newcomers, these new SACD transfers should remove any hesitations regarding sound quality, while veterans will feel an old romance rekindled.”
Incidentally, there are excellent liner notes on the reverse side of the jacket by Alfred Frankenstein, printed in English only. The front cover art was executed by Keefe, Inc.
This re-issue was produced by John Pfeiffera nd engineered by Edwin Begley.
CONDITION – PLEASE READ VERY CAREFULLY:
The gradations of condition I use are as follows: MINT, Near-Mint, Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor.
The condition of the jacket is EXCELLENT. There is minor wear at corners and light edgewear, but that is all. There are no seamsplits, bends, owners' markings, or other defects and the album remains solid, bright, and highly attractive in appearance – overall, an excellent collector's copy.
The condition of the LP is near-MINT and playback is superb – overall, a truly fine collector's copy.
PLEASE NOTE:
This LP has been carefully cleaned using a VPI cleaning machine. All LPs are provided with a new Nagaoka (or Nagaoka-style) inner sleeve. The images I've provided are of the actual item you are potentially bidding on
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