16/44 FLAC Mega Download 24/48 XR FLAC Mega Download
The Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Herbert von Karajan
Columbia 33CX 1421 1957 pressing. Matrices: XAX977/978 -1N. Recorded: 11/12 October 1955 + 18 June 1956 (initial Verdi:Falstaff sessions) -Kingsway Hall.
Sounds rather different to my 1980-bought SXLP stereo - possibly some takes are different? No auto de-click/re-eq.
Super-duper 24/96 WAV file: https://www.mediafire.com/file/zb7yg9q0n95pc7d/2496MussorgskyPictures-Karajan1957.wav/file
The 1962 Maazel Pictures etc re-edited:- http://pristineclassics.blogspot.com/2021/09/claude-debussy-prelude-lapres-midi-dun.html Sleeve-note / EMG review / labels >>>
Tin Ear, thank you SO MUCH for sharing this with us! Despite the unenthusiastic review posted above, I have been enjoying this recording ever since I picked up the stereo SAX 10+ years ago (as well as the 1962 Maazel recording you re-edited - will check that out as well). While I really liked the dynamic range and hall acoustics, I lamented the fact that my pressing had some distortion during the loud climaxes. I am excited to see if your mono transfer improves upon this!
ReplyDeleteMakes a nonsense of the washed-out sounding SXLP (crammed with other items -from your last Karajan posting). The bass-extension (side 2 particularly) is really very impressive: hopefully the SAX has that as well- though it shouldn't exhibit 'distortion' - but a difficulty is finding near-unplayed pre-early '60's. Happened to sample the Decca/RCA Reiner SB 'Pictures' (absolutely new&original) and it's a very good transfer (the Brahms 3 has a disasterous side 2). Have had lots 'boxed-up' for 25 years now.....
DeleteI would have to agree with you. I am guessing the copy of the SAX I owned may have been well played. The RCA shaded dog of the Reiner was the very first shaded dog I ever found and was probably the recording that drew me into the world of collecting classical records. I have never seen/heard the Decca SB but am aware that some of those Decca pressed RCAs can sound better than the US versions. Is that one you could share with us?
Delete...err - no way could I 'wet-clean' a new-copy 1958/9 stereo: same situation as precludes so much uploading of that vintage.
DeleteI realise the interest (if not getting the comments!). Could try a transfer or two (also from the same immaculate collection the Heifetz/Sibelius) but would unlikely to be able to sucessfully hand-edit that (the Karajan had a nasty superficial finger scratch on side 1 - so that took ages to eradicate (?) as much editing involves miniscule processing errors - never mind the clicks/pops!.
thank you for this！
ReplyDeleteRather laid-back compared to the Maazel. May do a raw dub of the Reiner SB. The Ormandy/Philadelphia on CBS Classics was my first version in 1969.
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